Computer Science at Duquesne University

Duquesne's computer science program lands graduates at $65,098—below both the national median ($70,950) and Pennsylvania's median ($67,310), despite modest debt of $26,950. The 40th percentile ranking among Pennsylvania programs tells the story: this sits in the bottom half of outcomes for the state, substantially trailing not just elite schools like Carnegie Mellon but also regional competitors like Drexel ($86,930) and University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown ($77,599). At a school with a 79% admission rate, you might expect more competitive outcomes given computer science's strong job market.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 is manageable—debt represents just five months of first-year salary—but that's partly because the debt level happens to match the state median ($26,977). The real question is whether $26,950 in debt makes sense for below-median earnings in a field where Pennsylvania offers 38 program options. Small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these figures, though it also suggests this isn't a flagship program for the university.

For families considering Duquesne's computer science degree, the Pittsburgh location offers tech opportunities, but the earnings data suggests graduates aren't capturing them at the same rate as peers from nearby schools. Unless Duquesne offers compelling non-financial advantages, students serious about maximizing computer science earnings might find better value elsewhere in Pennsylvania's competitive landscape.