Computer Science at Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University's Computer Science program carries an estimated debt load of $25,000—slightly above national norms but not dramatically so. Based on comparable programs across Tennessee, first-year earnings sit around $59,567, which aligns with the state median but trails the national benchmark by nearly $11,000. That gap matters: while a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 is manageable, it reflects Tennessee's generally softer tech salary market rather than anything unique to CBU.

The challenge here is context. Elite programs like Vanderbilt double these earnings, and even public options like UT-Knoxville deliver $70,000-plus outcomes. CBU's smaller graduating classes (which trigger the data suppression) might mean stronger mentorship or job placement support, but without reported outcomes, you're essentially betting that this school can match what peer programs deliver statewide. The 88% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest a less selective environment, which sometimes correlates with weaker industry connections in competitive tech fields.

For families prioritizing a faith-based environment in Memphis, this program could work if your child secures solid internships and networking independently. But strictly from a return-on-investment lens, Tennessee's public universities offer clearer evidence of competitive placement at lower cost. The estimated figures here don't reveal red flags, but they don't provide much assurance either.