Analysis
Computer science graduates nationally earn around $70,950 in their first year—the figure Coker's program appears to track based on peer institutions. That's solid compensation for a bachelor's degree, though it trails what the strongest tech markets typically offer. With an estimated debt load of $25,000, the financial picture looks manageable: borrowers would owe roughly 35 cents for every dollar earned, well within conventional affordability guidelines.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Coker's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education can't report actual outcomes, so these estimates draw from national patterns rather than this specific program's track record. South Carolina's computer science market runs cooler than the national median—other SC programs report first-year earnings around $64,000—which raises questions about whether Coker graduates land at the national average or closer to regional norms. The school's 97% admission rate and limited presence in tech-focused rankings suggest its network and recruiting pipelines may differ significantly from established programs.
For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals point toward affordability, but the lack of verified data matters. If your student thrives in smaller environments and plans to stay in the Southeast, Coker might deliver reasonable value. If they're targeting high-paying tech hubs or competitive employers where brand recognition matters, programs with proven placement records deserve serious consideration.
Where Coker 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,854 | $70,950* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $54,100 | $64,267* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $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 Coker University, approximately 29% 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.