Analysis
Computer science programs in Virginia show significant variation in outcomes, with top programs producing first-year earnings in the mid-$80,000s while others land closer to $65,000. Averett's program appears positioned right in the middle of this range—the $72,128 figure comes from averaging similar computer science bachelor's programs across Virginia. That middle position is actually encouraging for a smaller institution with a 1054 average SAT score, suggesting their graduates compete reasonably well for tech jobs despite not having the brand recognition of larger state universities.
The estimated $25,000 debt load represents a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, below both the Virginia and national medians for computer science programs. If the earnings estimate holds true, graduates would be bringing home roughly three times their debt in their first year—a solid foundation for repayment. The 39% Pell grant rate indicates Averett serves many first-generation and lower-income students, making this debt level particularly important to evaluate carefully.
The core uncertainty here is whether Averett specifically matches these state-level outcomes or falls below them. Small programs often struggle to place every graduate into strong tech positions, especially without proximity to major job markets. Before committing, your child should ask about specific employer partnerships, internship placement rates, and where recent graduates actually landed jobs—not just statistics, but company names and roles.
Where Averett University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,550 | $72,128* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $25,040 | $84,956* | $104,938 | $19,794* | 0.23 | |
| $13,815 | $84,632* | $97,310 | —* | — | |
| $15,200 | $78,085* | — | —* | — | |
| $16,351 | $72,128* | $83,205 | $22,250* | 0.31 | |
| $12,286 | $66,857* | $81,648 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Averett University, approximately 39% 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 median of 7 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.