Analysis
South Dakota's limited tech sector means Computer Science graduates here often need to look beyond state borders for opportunities, but comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $71,000—strong enough to make an estimated $25,000 debt load manageable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 sits comfortably below the threshold where loan payments become burdensome, assuming graduates secure positions that pay near the national median for CS degree holders.
The challenge is that these figures come entirely from peer institutions rather than University of Sioux Falls' actual graduate outcomes. With only three schools in South Dakota offering this degree and no reported data from any of them, you're betting on whether a small private university with an 82% admission rate can match the preparation that national CS programs typically provide. The program might excel—smaller class sizes and personalized attention could be advantages—but you're making that decision without the outcome data that would confirm it.
If your student is committed to staying in South Dakota, understand that tech jobs are concentrated elsewhere, which means either relocating or accepting more limited local opportunities. The financial structure looks reasonable on paper, but verify what internship pipelines, faculty credentials, and employer connections this specific program offers before assuming it will deliver outcomes comparable to established CS programs.
Where University of Sioux Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Science bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,740 | $70,950* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $63,255 | $173,344* | — | —* | — | |
| $63,829 | $171,264* | $247,552 | $21,442* | 0.13 | |
| $60,156 | $154,492* | $199,774 | $12,000* | 0.08 | |
| $66,014 | $152,656* | $185,679 | $14,698* | 0.10 | |
| $59,076 | $152,251* | $256,539 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $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 Sioux Falls, approximately 29% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 345 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.