Program Analysis
At $77,257/yr, Computer Science graduates from Northern Illinois University land near the $73,713 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 15.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The median debt load of $21,004 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #110 out of 345 programs, Northern Illinois University's Computer Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $77,257 to $85,811 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.