Analysis
A computer science bachelor's with $27,000 in debt falls right in line with what's typical nationally, but the earnings picture at Beacon College requires careful consideration. Based on comparable Florida computer science programs, first-year earnings around $57,000 produce a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47βmeaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. That's not alarming on paper, but it's worth noting that Beacon's estimated outcomes trail well behind Florida's top performers, where graduates from universities like UF and UCF start around $70,000 to $90,000.
What makes Beacon distinctive is its mission: it's specifically designed for students with learning differences, ADHD, and other learning disabilities. The college provides intensive academic support and coaching that traditional universities typically don't offer. For families considering Beacon, the question isn't simply whether a computer science degree pays offβit's whether this specialized learning environment is necessary for their student to complete a degree at all. If your child needs this level of support to succeed in college, these estimated outcomes suggest the investment could work financially, though graduates may need to be strategic about entry-level positions and career development to keep pace with peers from larger programs. If your child would thrive at a traditional university, stronger earning outcomes are available elsewhere in Florida.
Where Beacon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,230 | $56,998* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $6,381 | $90,651* | $108,528 | $16,000* | 0.18 | |
| $3,876 | $90,651* | $108,528 | $16,000* | 0.18 | |
| $58,300 | $69,707* | $72,024 | $27,000* | 0.39 | |
| $6,368 | $68,793* | $78,429 | $22,751* | 0.33 | |
| $13,920 | $67,315* | $77,481 | $50,737* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | β | $61,322* | β | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Beacon College, approximately 26% 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 22 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.