Computer and Information Sciences at Duquesne University

With starting salaries of nearly $65,000 and debt under $23,000, Duquesne's computer science program delivers solid fundamentals—graduates owe just one-third of their first-year income, well below the typical 2:1 debt-to-income warning threshold. The 21% earnings growth to nearly $79,000 by year four suggests graduates are gaining valuable experience and climbing the salary ladder, not hitting an early ceiling. Among Pennsylvania's 62 computer science programs, Duquesne lands right at the median for earnings while keeping debt notably lower than the state average of $27,000.

The real value here is accessibility paired with competitive outcomes. While elite programs like Penn and Villanova produce higher earners, they're also far more selective. Duquesne's 79% admission rate means most qualified applicants get in, yet graduates still earn above the national median for this degree and substantially above Pennsylvania's median. That's a meaningful advantage for families comparing in-state options.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these numbers reflect a stable program, not an outlier year. For parents worried about tech degree value, this represents a straightforward path: manageable debt, strong starting salary, and clear earnings progression. It won't match Ivy League outcomes, but it delivers reliable return on investment without the admissions lottery.