Computer and Information Sciences at DeVry University-Texas

Texas computer science programs typically launch graduates into strong earning positions, but DeVry's estimated $45,606 debt load—nearly double the state median of $23,250—shifts the calculation considerably. While peer programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $55,000, that 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would be carrying nearly a full year's salary in loans right out of the gate. For a field where similar programs at public universities produce debt levels half as high, that's a substantial premium.

The earnings picture based on comparable Texas programs isn't the concern here—$55,000 aligns with the state median for computer science bachelor's degrees. The challenge is the debt burden relative to those outcomes. With 37% of students receiving Pell grants, many families are financing this education through loans. When top Texas programs like UT Austin produce graduates earning $111,000 with lower debt, or even mid-tier options like Texas Tech hit $82,000, the value proposition becomes harder to justify purely on numbers.

If DeVry offers specific advantages—flexible scheduling for working students, particular industry connections, or a learning environment where your child would genuinely thrive—those factors matter. But financially, you'd want compelling reasons beyond the degree itself to take on twice the typical debt for similar expected outcomes. The computer science field rewards skills and experience; where those are acquired matters less than many families assume.