Computer and Information Sciences at College of Charleston

College of Charleston's Computer Science program hits a sweet spot that many flagship programs miss: relatively accessible admissions paired with strong tech industry outcomes. First-year graduates earn $67,438—already $6,000 above the national median—but the real story unfolds by year four, when earnings jump to $94,025. That's nearly 40% growth in just three years, suggesting graduates are landing roles with clear advancement paths rather than hitting early career ceilings.

The $25,000 debt load keeps the initial investment reasonable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that most families can manage within standard repayment timelines. While the program ranks 60th percentile among South Carolina's CS programs (trailing Clemson and USC's flagships), it's worth noting that Charleston's location offers proximity to the city's growing tech corridor without the intense competition of larger state schools. The moderate sample size suggests a smaller program where students might get more individual attention.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, this represents a solid choice: manageable debt, strong starting salaries, and most importantly, earnings that continue climbing well after graduation. Students who thrive here won't need to relocate to access six-figure earning potential by their late twenties.