Computer Science at Central Penn College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
A $50,000 starting salary might sound reasonable for a computer science graduate, until you realize it's less than what three-quarters of CS programs nationwide deliver—and nearly $18,000 below Pennsylvania's state median. Central Penn's CS graduates rank in just the 25th percentile among Pennsylvania programs, earning roughly half what peers at Drexel or Pitt-Johnstown make. Meanwhile, the $42,163 in typical debt sits nearly double the national median for this major, creating a debt load equivalent to 85% of first-year earnings. For context, most CS programs nationwide have debt-to-earnings ratios well below 0.5.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data, but the pattern is troubling enough to warrant serious consideration. Pennsylvania has 38 computer science programs, and many deliver substantially better outcomes without requiring nearly as much debt. At these earnings levels, loan repayment will consume a much larger share of take-home pay than it would for graduates of stronger programs.
If your child is set on computer science, explore Pennsylvania's public universities or other regional programs where graduates earn $20,000-$30,000 more annually with less debt. The return on investment matters enormously in a field where starting salaries typically provide cushion for loan payments—a cushion this program doesn't appear to offer.
Where Central Penn College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Central Penn College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Central Penn College graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Penn College | $49,718 | — | $42,163 | 0.85 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $171,264 | $247,552 | $21,442 | 0.13 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $124,678 | $146,438 | $13,500 | 0.11 |
| Lehigh University | $88,587 | $106,799 | $23,854 | 0.27 |
| Drexel University | $86,930 | $104,182 | $29,333 | 0.34 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $77,599 | $85,906 | $26,977 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh | $63,829 | $171,264 | $21,442 |
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $124,678 | $13,500 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $88,587 | $23,854 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $86,930 | $29,333 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown | $14,646 | $77,599 | $26,977 |
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 Central Penn College, approximately 43% 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.