Analysis
The $25,000 in estimated debt sits right at the national median for computer science programs, but the real question is whether Bennett's estimated first-year earnings of $54,000βderived from comparable North Carolina programsβwill translate into actual outcomes for graduates here. That figure puts Bennett below the national median of $61,000 and barely at the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that's manageable but not generous. What concerns me more is the gap with NC's stronger programs: North Carolina Central's computer science graduates earn $75,000 their first year, and even UNC Wilmington matches the estimated figure Bennett's graduates might expect.
The 75% Pell grant rate tells us Bennett serves students who desperately need these programs to pay off. Computer science remains one of the clearest paths to upward mobility, but the combination of estimated outcomes that lag peer institutions and an incoming class profile (890 average SAT, 34% admission rate) suggests challenges in translating the degree into top-tier tech opportunities. Similar programs in North Carolina produce a wide range of outcomesβfrom the $75,000 we see at NC Central down to Bennett's estimated middle ground.
Given the uncertainty around these estimates and the performance gap with other NC programs, you'd want concrete evidence that Bennett's career services can place graduates into roles matching or exceeding that $54,000 estimate before committing. Ask specifically about employer partnerships and recent graduate placements in the tech sector.
Where Bennett College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,140 | $54,097* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $6,542 | $74,597* | β | $31,375* | 0.42 | |
| $7,361 | $69,442* | $96,859 | $26,923* | 0.39 | |
| $13,920 | $67,315* | $77,481 | $50,737* | 0.75 | |
| $7,214 | $60,639* | β | $22,153* | 0.37 | |
| $7,317 | $54,105* | β | $27,000* | 0.50 | |
| 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 Bennett College, approximately 75% 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 10 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.