Location: Cedar Falls, IA•In-State Tuition: $9,728•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,272•Admission Rate: 94%•Avg SAT: 1120
Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,960
38th percentile
40th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$26,200
12% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.40 ManageableSample: 68 graduates

Analysis

University of Northern Iowa's computer science graduates earn below the middle of the pack in Iowa, landing at the 40th percentile statewide despite the program's relatively low cost. Starting at $66K, graduates trail the state median by $5,000 and sit well behind Iowa State ($79K) and even elite liberal arts programs like Grinnell ($84K). The positive spin: earnings climb 22% to reach $80K by year four, eventually catching up to where many peers start.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $26,200, borrowers take on slightly more than the state median but still maintain a manageable 0.4 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. For families choosing between UNI and pricier alternatives, the $26K debt load beats taking on significantly more for a marginally better starting salary elsewhere in Iowa.

This program makes the most sense for students who value UNI's 94% admission rate and need an accessible entry point into tech careers. You're trading initial earning power for affordability and the security of strong four-year growth. If your student can secure admission to Iowa State or has the profile for Grinnell, those programs deliver notably stronger early earnings. But for families prioritizing low debt and steady career trajectory over peak starting salary, UNI's combination works—just recognize you're choosing the economical path, not the high-earning one.

Where University of Northern Iowa Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

University of Northern IowaOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Northern Iowa graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Northern Iowa earns $66k — 38th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Northern Iowa$65,960$80,228+22%
Harvard University$152,251$256,539+68%
Grinnell College$84,449$106,113+26%
Luther College$63,760$100,968+58%
Iowa State University$78,517$94,712+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$65,960$80,228$26,2000.40
Grinnell CollegeGrinnell$64,862$84,449$106,113$16,3750.19
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$78,517$94,712$24,6630.31
Simpson CollegeIndianola$46,212$70,950—$25,0000.35
Luther CollegeDecorah$50,320$63,760$100,968$27,0000.42
National Median—$70,950—$23,3740.33

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Northern Iowa, approximately 24% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.