Computer and Information Sciences at Fort Valley State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Fort Valley State's computer science program charges students $41,000 in debt—well above both national and state medians—while delivering first-year earnings of just $49,827. That's roughly $12,000 less than what Georgia computer science graduates typically earn, placing this program in the bottom quarter statewide. The debt burden is particularly striking: graduates here carry 64% more debt than the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that means owing nearly a full year's salary right out of college.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, but the gap is too large to ignore. Even accounting for Fort Valley's mission serving predominantly Pell-eligible students, nearby Georgia State produces computer science graduates earning $65,439—over $15,000 more annually—with similar debt loads. The pattern suggests graduates may struggle to find entry-level tech positions that match their debt obligations.
For families considering this program, the math is challenging. Computer science should offer strong earning potential and manageable debt ratios; this combination delivers neither. Unless circumstances strongly favor Fort Valley specifically, other Georgia public universities offer substantially better outcomes in this field without requiring families to shoulder significantly higher debt.
Where Fort Valley State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Fort Valley State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Fort Valley State University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 21th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Valley State University | $49,827 | — | $41,000 | 0.82 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $105,137 | $127,253 | $21,125 | 0.20 |
| Spelman College | $98,692 | — | — | — |
| University of West Georgia | $69,653 | $86,652 | $26,823 | 0.39 |
| Strayer University-Georgia | $67,315 | $77,481 | $50,737 | 0.75 |
| Georgia State University | $65,439 | $79,310 | $26,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta | $11,764 | $105,137 | $21,125 |
| Spelman College Atlanta | $30,058 | $98,692 | — |
| University of West Georgia Carrollton | $5,971 | $69,653 | $26,823 |
| Strayer University-Georgia Chamblee | $13,920 | $67,315 | $50,737 |
| Georgia State University Atlanta | $8,478 | $65,439 | $26,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fort Valley State University, approximately 72% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.