Location: Auburn, AL•In-State Tuition: $12,536•Out-of-State Tuition: $33,944•Admission Rate: 50%•Avg SAT: 1318
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$70,950
Est. from national median (345 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,500
Est. from national median (173 programs)

Analysis

Auburn's Computer Science program likely sits well above other Alabama options, though the suppressed data means we're working from national comparisons rather than actual graduate outcomes. Similar programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $71,000—substantially higher than the $55,000 median for Alabama CS programs. At an estimated $22,500 in debt, that translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in less than four months of gross salary.

The real question is whether Auburn's selectivity (50% admission rate, 1318 average SAT) translates to outcomes closer to top-tier CS programs nationally, which can exceed $81,000 in first-year earnings. The school's low Pell grant percentage suggests it attracts financially stable students, which often correlates with stronger professional networks and internship access—factors that matter significantly in tech hiring. If Auburn's actual outcomes track closer to national top performers than to the Alabama average, the investment becomes quite strong.

The missing data is frustrating but not necessarily alarming—smaller cohorts in competitive programs often mean graduates are being hired before graduation or relocating for opportunities. Given Auburn's engineering reputation and the robust national CS market, this program likely performs at or above the national median, making it a reasonable bet despite the uncertainty in the numbers.

Where Auburn University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

Auburn University (estimated ±10%)Other computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Auburn UniversityAuburn$12,536$70,950*—$22,500*—
University of South AlabamaMobile$9,676$55,256*$73,682$26,750*0.48
National Median—$70,950*—$23,374*0.33
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Auburn University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 345 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.