Computer and Information Sciences at University of Southern Indiana

Similar computer science programs across Indiana suggest starting salaries around $61,700, which puts University of Southern Indiana's estimated outcomes right at the state median—respectable but far from the $96,500 graduates earn at Notre Dame or the $72,000 at Purdue's main campus. By year four, reported earnings of $68,968 show modest growth, though tech careers typically accelerate faster than this. The estimated $23,200 in debt yields a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Because actual graduate numbers are too small for the Department of Education to publish, we're relying on peer program data—and those peers vary widely. Indiana's computer science programs range from elite (Notre Dame) to regional (Purdue Northwest), and there's no way to know where USI actually falls in that spectrum. The 95% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest a less selective program, which could mean different career preparation than top-tier alternatives.

If your child is staying in-state and keeping costs down, the estimated debt picture looks reasonable for a field with steady demand. But if they're competitive enough for Purdue's main campus or IU-Bloomington—both showing similar or better outcomes with actual data—those might offer more certain returns on a similar investment.