Computer and Information Sciences at American InterContinental University-Atlanta

At nearly $46,000 in debt, graduates from this program carry almost double the national median for computer science degrees while earning substantially less. First-year earnings of $51,687 fall $10,000 below both the Georgia and national medians, placing this program in the bottom quarter across both comparisons. That's particularly striking in Atlanta's robust tech market, where even mid-tier programs like Georgia State produce graduates earning $65,000+ with significantly less debt.

The debt burden here creates real constraints. With 88 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year income, graduates face monthly loan payments that will meaningfully limit housing choices and financial flexibility in their early career years. While earnings do grow to $55,591 by year four, that still trails the typical starting salary at comparable Georgia programs. The gap widens dramatically when you look at Georgia Tech ($105,000+) or even University of West Georgia ($69,653), though those comparisons may reflect different student populations and academic selectivity.

Given that 83% of students here receive Pell grants, this program serves students with genuine financial need. But those students face a particularly tough tradeoff: taking on nearly twice the typical debt for a credential that yields below-average earnings. For families considering this option, state schools like Georgia State or University of West Georgia offer better debt-to-earnings ratios in the same metro area.