Computer Science at Brigham Young University

BYU's Computer Science program delivers exceptional value with a combination that's rare in higher education: starting salaries 28% above the national median paired with debt loads roughly half the national average. That $12,000 median debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.13—meaning graduates owe about six weeks' worth of their first year's salary. This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt while simultaneously ranking in the 85th percentile for earnings.

The state context reveals an interesting wrinkle. While BYU sits at the 60th percentile among Utah's eight computer science programs—with the University of Utah edging slightly ahead—the earnings difference is marginal ($90,625 vs. $90,282), and BYU's debt advantage remains substantial. Strong earnings growth to $114,046 by year four suggests graduates are moving into solid mid-level positions rather than stalling in entry-level roles.

For families concerned about computer science program costs, this represents one of the strongest risk-reward profiles available. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results. Even students who don't land at the top of the salary distribution will find the low debt burden manageable, while high performers will be essentially debt-free within months of graduation.