Computer and Information Sciences at DeVry University-Florida

The estimated $49,000 debt burden here—nearly double Florida's $20,000 median for computer science bachelor's programs—demands serious consideration. While the first-year earnings estimate of roughly $57,000 aligns with the Florida state median, that debt load creates a significantly different financial picture than what most CS graduates in the state face. The 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means starting with debt equivalent to nearly a full year's salary in a field where many graduates carry far less.

Context matters: over half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting DeVry serves students who may have fewer alternatives. But Florida has 39 programs in this field, including several that produce substantially higher outcomes. University of Central Florida graduates, for instance, earn around $69,000 in their first year—$12,000 more than the state median—and the state benchmark suggests much lower typical debt. Even among for-profit institutions, comparable programs often show different patterns.

For parents weighing this program, the core question is whether the convenience or accessibility DeVry offers justifies that debt premium. Computer science credentials generally lead to solid employment, but starting $30,000 deeper in debt than the typical Florida CS graduate means more financial pressure during those crucial early career years. Look hard at what specific programs cost in total, what completion rates look like, and whether nearby public universities might provide a stronger return—especially given the wide range of outcomes across Florida's CS programs.