Computer and Information Sciences at DeSales University

DeSales University's computer science program shows a striking rebound pattern, but the early numbers raise real concerns. Fresh graduates earn just $34,266—placing this program in the 10th percentile among Pennsylvania's 62 computer science programs and dead last (5th percentile) nationally. With $27,000 in debt, new graduates face nearly 80 cents of debt for every dollar earned, a challenging position in a field known for strong entry-level salaries. For context, Pennsylvania's median computer science graduate starts at $57,260, while the national figure is $61,322.

The dramatic turnaround by year four, when earnings jump to $63,029, suggests graduates may be starting in help desk or junior IT roles before transitioning into proper development positions. However, this comes with a major caveat: the sample size is under 30 graduates, making these figures potentially unstable. Even one or two unusually high or low earners could skew the results significantly.

The core question is whether your family can weather that difficult first year. If your child needs to start repaying loans immediately or contribute to household expenses, that $34,266 starting salary creates a tight squeeze. If they can live at home or have family support through that initial period, the four-year outcome looks more reasonable—though still just matching what many PA graduates earn right out of the gate elsewhere.