Analysis
UNO's computer science program outperforms both state and national benchmarks while keeping debt manageableβa rare combination at this price point. Starting salaries of $74,000 beat the national median by $3,000 and eclipse the Nebraska median by $11,000, placing graduates in the 60th percentile statewide. More impressively, earnings jump 30% to $96,000 by year four, suggesting graduates land positions with genuine advancement potential rather than hitting early career ceilings.
The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $21,600, graduates carry roughly $1,600 less than the national median for CS programs, translating to a 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratioβmanageable on a tech salary. While UNO's debt sits slightly above Nebraska's median, the earnings premium more than compensates. Notably, Creighton's CS grads earn $22,000 less despite presumably higher tuition, though program differences may explain some of this gap.
For families seeking affordable tech credentials, this delivers. An 87% admission rate makes it accessible, and the earnings trajectory shows employers value the degree. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the data suggests UNO successfully places graduates in Nebraska's growing tech sector without the debt burden of flagship programs elsewhere.
Where University of Nebraska at Omaha Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $73,971 | $95,889 | +30% |
| Harvard University | $152,251 | $256,539 | +68% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $171,264 | $247,552 | +45% |
| Brown University | $151,065 | $218,525 | +45% |
| Stanford University | $138,613 | $200,950 | +45% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,370 | $73,971 | $95,889 | $21,595 | 0.29 | |
| $47,000 | $51,625 | β | $21,875 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | β | $70,950 | β | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Nebraska at Omaha, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 63 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.