Computer and Information Sciences at University of Notre Dame
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Notre Dame's computer science graduates start at $96,517—nearly $25,000 above Purdue's program and 57% higher than the Indiana median. This isn't just a solid tech program; it's the top-earning computer science degree in the state, outperforming all 25 Indiana programs including Purdue's well-regarded engineering pipeline. Nationally, it ranks in the 95th percentile, placing Notre Dame grads alongside elite coastal tech programs despite the Midwest location.
The debt picture amplifies the value. At $19,000, graduates carry slightly less than the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.20—meaning most students could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross salary. The 23% earnings growth to $118,767 by year four suggests graduates are landing roles with genuine advancement potential, not just entry-level positions.
The caveat is access: Notre Dame's 12% admission rate and 1510 average SAT mean most students won't get in. For families who can navigate that bar, though, this represents one of the strongest returns on investment in computer science anywhere in the country. The combination of top-tier starting salaries, manageable debt, and strong earnings trajectory makes this program a clear financial win for admitted students.
Where University of Notre Dame Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Notre Dame graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Notre Dame graduates earn $97k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame | $96,517 | $118,767 | $19,000 | 0.20 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $72,132 | $84,996 | $19,985 | 0.28 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $62,350 | $79,394 | $19,500 | 0.31 |
| Purdue University Global | $61,977 | $64,526 | $54,293 | 0.88 |
| Purdue University Northwest | $61,699 | — | $18,700 | 0.30 |
| Ball State University | $59,249 | $69,101 | $23,512 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $72,132 | $19,985 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington | $11,790 | $62,350 | $19,500 |
| Purdue University Global West Lafayette | $10,110 | $61,977 | $54,293 |
| Purdue University Northwest Hammond | $8,419 | $61,699 | $18,700 |
| Ball State University Muncie | $10,758 | $59,249 | $23,512 |
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 Notre Dame, approximately 12% 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 105 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.