Computer Science at Xavier University

Xavier's computer science program operates in an unusual middle ground: it beats national averages but lags behind most Ohio competitors. While $73,546 starting salary places graduates in the 56th percentile nationally, that same outcome lands them in just the 40th percentile among Ohio CS programs—meaning three out of five Ohio schools do better. When nearby competitors like Cedarville ($76,615) and University of Dayton ($74,052) deliver higher earnings, the value proposition depends heavily on other factors like fit and financial aid packages.

The financial structure itself is actually quite solid. At $27,000 in median debt—creating a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio—Xavier graduates carry less debt than 82% of CS programs nationally. That's a genuine advantage, particularly for students who might need graduate school later or want financial flexibility early in their careers. The question isn't whether graduates will struggle with repayment (they won't), but whether they're maximizing their earning potential.

For families committed to Xavier for campus culture or merit aid reasons, this program won't derail career prospects—you're still talking about a $73K starting salary with manageable debt. But if you're choosing purely on CS outcomes and paying similar net prices across Ohio schools, the data suggests looking at those top-quartile programs first. The 88% admission rate means Xavier remains accessible if other options don't work out.