Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $62,578 track close to the $62,617 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 and Information Sciences, General 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.