Computer Science at University of Evansville

Computer science programs in Indiana cluster tightly around $68,500 in first-year earnings, and comparable programs at schools like University of Evansville suggest starting salaries right at that state median—though top programs like Rose-Hulman and Purdue routinely produce outcomes $25,000 to $30,000 higher. The estimated debt load of $26,500 falls slightly above the state median but remains manageable for this field, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that puts one year's salary comfortably above total borrowed costs. The real question is whether this program can compete with the state's powerhouse CS programs, especially given the significant earnings gap.

That gap matters more than it might initially appear. Over just five years, the $26,000 difference between Evansville's estimated outcome and Purdue's could amount to $130,000 in lost earnings—far exceeding the debt difference between schools. What you're buying at a smaller institution like this is likely better access to professors and a more personalized experience, but similar programs typically don't close that earnings gap over time in computer science, where the technical curriculum is fairly standardized and employer preferences are well-established.

For families considering this program, the debt burden itself isn't alarming, but the opportunity cost deserves scrutiny. If your student has the academic profile for admission to Purdue or IU-Bloomington (both with 78% or higher admission rates making them realistic options), the earnings premium at those programs would likely justify any modest tuition difference. This becomes a solid fallback option if those schools don't work out, but probably shouldn't be the first choice for a computer science degree.