Computer and Information Sciences at Western Oregon University

Western Oregon's computer science graduates start below both national and state medians at $51,703, but strong earnings growth—up 33% to nearly $69,000 by year four—suggests the program builds solid long-term foundations. While initial earnings trail Oregon competitors like University of Oregon ($70,055) and Oregon Institute of Technology ($58,253), the debt load at $26,000 is manageable, translating to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats many programs nationally.

The 40th percentile ranking among Oregon's seven computer science programs means this sits firmly in the middle tier for the state. For families prioritizing affordability—important given that 40% of students receive Pell grants—the combination of near-universal admission and reasonable debt makes this accessible. The earnings trajectory matters here: graduates who start modestly but reach $69,000 within four years are on a path toward competitive tech salaries.

The practical consideration is whether starting $10,000-20,000 behind state peers matters if you're catching up by year four. For students who need an open-access option and can't compete for Oregon's more selective programs, this delivers adequate outcomes without crushing debt. Families targeting top tech salaries from day one should look elsewhere, but those seeking a viable entry point into computing careers will find this program performs its role competently.