Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 typically signals strong financial footing for a bachelor's degree, and that holds true hereβeven with the caveat that both the $70,950 earnings figure and $25,000 debt load come from national benchmarks rather than Claflin's own graduates. Computer science programs nationwide produce consistent outcomes, which makes these estimates more reliable than in fields with wider variance. The projected first-year salary aligns with the national median and exceeds what similar programs in South Carolina typically deliver, where the state median sits at $64,267. For families drawn to Claflin's mission and campus culture, the financial picture doesn't appear to be a red flag.
That said, the lack of actual data means you're making an investment based on what peer institutions achieve, not what Claflin has demonstrably delivered for its CS graduates. With 73% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a population where every dollar of debt matters. If your child thrives in smaller, supportive environments and values Claflin's HBCU identity, the estimated numbers suggest the degree could pay for itself within a few yearsβbut confirm that the program has strong industry connections and career placement support, since those factors often matter more than curriculum alone in translating a CS degree into that first job.
Where Claflin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (11 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,046 | $70,950* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $54,100 | $64,267* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $70,950* | β | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Claflin University, approximately 73% 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 national median of 345 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.