Computer and Information Sciences at East Carolina University

East Carolina University's computer science graduates are clearing $69,000 straight out of school and nearly hitting six figures within four years—impressive mobility that ranks this program in the 80th percentile among North Carolina's 27 computer science programs. That's substantially ahead of the state median of $54,000 and even outpaces UNC Wilmington and Campbell. With debt of just under $27,000, graduates face a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they're earning roughly 2.5 times their debt load in the first year alone.

The 40% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests ECU's CS program connects graduates to career paths with real advancement potential, not just entry-level dead ends. While the sample size is moderate, the consistency between strong starting salaries and robust growth patterns points to a program that's genuinely preparing students for in-demand tech roles, likely both in North Carolina's Research Triangle and beyond.

For families concerned about ROI at a school with a 90% acceptance rate, this program punches well above its weight class. Your child would be getting outcomes that rival or exceed more selective North Carolina universities, with debt that's actually below the state median. That's a straightforward value proposition for a field where skills and connections matter more than institutional prestige.