Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $62,578 track close to the $62,617 national median for Computer Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 11.5x 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 — 69% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $24,242 in median debt against $62,578 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #232 out of 443 programs, Western Illinois University's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $62,578 to $73,734 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.