Compare 100 Computer Science. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $80,404.
Computer Science programs produce graduates earning between $92,637 and $175,145—a $82K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 101 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
The University of Chicago's Computer Science program leads with graduates earning $175,145, followed by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology at $157,625. Against the regional average of $80,100, these outcomes show specialized programs can outperform broader institutional rankings—Rose-Hulman's 73% acceptance rate proves accessibility and excellence aren't mutually exclusive.
High earnings paired with manageable debt create the real value story. University of Chicago graduates borrow just $15,000 with a 1.3% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' affordability rating. Even when including parent loans, the family burden stays at 4.8%—proof that top Computer Science programs can deliver both outcomes and affordability.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $175,145 | 93 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Excellent |
| #2 | $157,625 | 85 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Good | |
| #3 | $143,775 | 291 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Excellent | |
| #4 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $130,650 | 94 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Excellent |
| #5 | $116,601 | 469 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Excellent | |
| #6 | Carleton CollegePrivate | $116,048 | 71 | $16,750 | Excellent | $31,271 | Excellent |
| #7 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $106,113 | 62 | $17,500 | Excellent | $36,324 | Good |
| #8 | $103,989 | 129 | $24,000 | Excellent | $31,458 | Good | |
| #9 | $103,119 | 71 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Good | |
| #10 | Luther CollegePrivate | $100,968 | 19 | $27,000 | Excellent | $40,923 | Manageable |
| #11 | $99,517 | 180 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Good | |
| #12 | $98,768 | 258 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Good | |
| #13 | $97,561 | 25 | $19,684 | Excellent | $10,909 | Excellent | |
| #14 | $95,889 | 81 | $19,000 | Excellent | $15,945 | Excellent | |
| #15 | Knox CollegePrivate | $95,399 | 20 | $27,000 | Excellent | $28,730 | Good |
| #16 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $94,712 | 124 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Good |
| #17 | $93,994 | 459 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Good | |
| #18 | Depauw UniversityPrivate | $93,572 | 45 | $27,000 | Excellent | $35,134 | Manageable |
| #19 | Saint Johns UniversityPrivate | $93,368 | 19 | $27,000 | Excellent | $32,000 | Manageable |
| #20 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $92,637 | 9 | $26,774 | Excellent | $34,265 | Manageable |
| #21 | Kettering UniversityPrivate | $91,590 | 23 | $27,000 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable |
| #22 | $91,304 | 142 | $19,509 | Excellent | $32,850 | Good | |
| #23 | $91,282 | 49 | $21,058 | Excellent | $11,598 | Excellent | |
| #24 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $91,084 | 27 | $26,000 | Excellent | $40,568 | Manageable |
| #25 | $90,596 | 71 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
