Computer and Information Sciences at American InterContinental University-Houston

The $45,606 debt load here is nearly double what computer science graduates typically carry at Texas schools—and that's the real red flag. While graduates earn slightly above the state median ($51,687 versus $55,172), they're borrowing $23,000 more than the typical Texas CS student to get there. This creates a debt burden that dwarfs what you'd face at public alternatives: UT Austin grads earn twice as much with similar debt levels, while even regional options like Texas Tech deliver 50% higher earnings without the steep borrowing.

The 25th percentile national ranking tells the story plainly—three-quarters of computer science programs nationwide produce better earning outcomes. Yes, earnings tick up 8% by year four, but that trajectory barely keeps pace with state averages and leaves graduates far behind the tech industry's earning potential. With 77% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on substantial debt during years when they can least afford it.

For $45,606 in debt, you could attend a Texas public university where computer science graduates routinely clear $80,000+ within a few years of graduation. The math here doesn't work in your favor: you're paying premium-level debt for below-average outcomes. If your child is set on computer science and this is the acceptance in hand, community college transfer pathways to UT or Texas A&M would deliver far better returns for the investment.