First, some facts. Of the Computer Science graduates from Purdue University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 50 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 93%, Computer Science graduates from Purdue University have a substantially higher likelihood (+26%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 18% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Computer Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Research ProgrammerNotre Dame Center for Research Computing Jul 2019 - Apr 2020 ABOUTBackend software developer. Hobbies include animation, algorithms, and 3D printing |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the profiles of Purdue University computer science graduates, it’s pretty clear that most of these folks have landed jobs that are closely tied to their degrees. A large chunk of the jobs listed, like Software Engineer or Software Developer roles, directly apply the programming skills and technical knowledge they gained during their studies. Positions at big companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and Meta showcase how graduates are effectively using their computer science training in real-world scenarios, often tackling complex software development challenges and system architectures. Additionally, many have continued in research or advanced technical roles, blending their academic expertise with practical applications.
However, not every job reflects a direct relationship with their computer science background. Some profiles indicate roles such as consultants or project coordinators, which can lean more into business skills rather than technical know-how. Even internship roles sometimes don’t fully leverage their computer science training, as they can be more about gaining experience than using specialized knowledge on a daily basis. Overall, while the trend is certainly favorable towards relevant employment, it’s clear that there are exceptions where graduates have ventured into broader or less technical roles, showing that a computer science degree can open many doors, but it's not always strictly necessary to use those specific skills right away.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Science graduates (this is across all Computer Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Purdue University):
Graduates from Purdue University's Computer Science program seem to have pretty solid career trajectories overall. Most of them kick off their professional journeys with roles like software engineers, developers, or technical support positions. For instance, many from the earlier classes jumped straight into software engineering positions at notable companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and Liberty Mutual, which really shows that they're finding relevant work quickly after graduation. As these graduates progress in their careers, it’s common to see them moving up to more senior roles or even pivoting to interesting areas like corporate strategy and development, research, or starting their own tech firms. For those who pursued research, many continued their academic journeys and took on roles in research or science-related positions, which reflects a strong commitment to contributing to tech and science fields.
Fast forward five to ten years, and it’s clear that a lot of these Purdue grads are doing well for themselves. Many have climbed the ranks to positions like Senior Software Engineer, Technical Director, or even Co-Founder and CEO roles, illustrating that a degree from Purdue can really set the stage for professional growth. While it’s not unusual to have some variation in career paths—like people shifting into roles related to project management or IT support—the overall picture is quite positive. Graduates are largely landing in jobs that capitalize on their computer science background, which is a promising sign for anyone considering a similar path. So, if you’re weighing your options, investing in a computer science degree at a school like Purdue could definitely pay off in the long run!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Purdue can be pretty challenging, but it’s not impossible! The coursework is definitely on the tougher side, with a heavy focus on math, programming, and problem-solving skills. You’ll dive into complex subjects like algorithms, data structures, and software development, which can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re new to coding. That said, if you enjoy working with technology and are willing to put in the effort, it can be really rewarding. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself pulling a few all-nighters or really grinding through some projects—it's definitely not a walk in the park, but if you're into it, the effort can really pay off!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Science.
Looking at these Purdue graduates and their career paths in tech, it seems like they’re doing pretty well for themselves financially. Most of them started out in solid positions right after school, often moving up quickly within the same company or hopping to better opportunities, which is a sign that they’re likely making decent money. Companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and Microsoft are known for paying their employees well, so being associated with those names definitely helps boost their earning potential. Even the graduates from more recent years already have promising roles, which bodes well for their future salaries. So, if you're considering a tech degree at Purdue or somewhere else, it definitely looks like a good investment!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Computer Science (this is across all Computer Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Purdue University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: