Computer Science at Wabash College

Based on comparable computer science programs in Indiana, Wabash graduates likely start around $68,500—significantly below what graduates from Rose-Hulman ($100,000+) and Purdue ($95,000) command in the same state market. The estimated $26,500 in debt yields a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, but this assumes earning power that trails both the national median ($71,000) and Indiana's top programs by $20,000 to $30,000 annually. For a selective liberal arts college with a 1210 average SAT, those numbers raise questions about whether Wabash's computer science program provides the technical depth and recruiting pipelines that employers reward.

The limited sample size that necessitates these estimates likely reflects Wabash's small enrollment—a potential red flag for a field where program size often correlates with industry connections, specialized faculty, and course variety. Indiana has 26 computer science programs, and similar schools in the state suggest first-year earnings that put graduates at a competitive disadvantage when they're sitting across from Purdue or IU alumni in job interviews. The debt load is reasonable, but you're potentially paying private college tuition for outcomes that mirror the state average rather than exceeding it.

If your child is committed to Wabash for other reasons—fit, culture, financial aid—verify the computer science department's actual placement record and recruiting relationships with tech employers. Otherwise, the state schools showing substantially higher earnings deserve serious consideration.