Analysis
A computer science degree with an estimated debt load of $24,000 against first-year earnings around $55,000 creates a manageable financial foundation—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. Based on comparable programs across Texas, this falls right at the state median for both outcomes, suggesting a solid if unspectacular return on investment. The estimated debt is actually slightly below the national median for computer science degrees, which helps offset earnings that trail the national figure by about $6,000.
The gap between Dallas Baptist and Texas's top-tier tech programs is substantial—graduates from UT Austin or Texas A&M typically earn double what similar programs in Texas produce. However, for families prioritizing a faith-based education with reasonable debt levels, the estimated figures here suggest graduates should be able to manage their loans while building careers in a field with strong long-term prospects. The 91% admission rate and moderate SAT scores indicate this serves students who might not access the state's most competitive programs.
The uncertainty around these estimates matters: they're drawn from peer institutions rather than DBU's actual outcomes. If this program significantly outperforms or underperforms the Texas median, the financial picture shifts considerably. Parents should directly ask the school about placement rates and typical employer relationships before committing.
Where Dallas Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,140 | $55,172* | — | $24,059* | — | |
| $58,128 | $131,154* | $172,391 | $12,381* | 0.09 | |
| $11,678 | $111,587* | $112,017 | $20,500* | 0.18 | |
| $11,852 | $82,521* | $91,795 | $23,197* | 0.28 | |
| $13,099 | $81,231* | $101,263 | $20,395* | 0.25 | |
| $11,299 | $77,763* | $80,128 | $28,064* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322* | — | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Dallas Baptist University, approximately 24% 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 median of 35 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.