Analysis
Based on peer programs nationally, a bachelor's in Computer Programming at Gannon suggests first-year earnings around $50,000 against estimated debt near $31,000—a 0.62 ratio that falls within reasonable bounds for a technical degree. Without reported outcomes from this specific program or comparable Pennsylvania schools, parents should recognize they're making decisions with limited visibility. The national benchmark data shows this field can produce significantly higher returns at top-performing programs (over $72,000 first-year), but whether Gannon's curriculum, faculty connections, and career services can deliver competitive outcomes remains unverified.
The 77% admission rate and relatively low Pell enrollment (22%) suggest a moderately selective private institution, though this tells you little about program quality in a specialized technical field where internship pipelines and industry partnerships matter enormously. Computer programming credentials vary wildly in market value depending on specific skills taught, project experience provided, and employer recruiting relationships. A $31,000 debt load isn't catastrophic if earnings grow predictably in tech roles, but you're essentially betting that Gannon's program performs at least at the national median.
Before committing, insist on program-specific placement data directly from Gannon—where recent graduates actually work, what roles they hold, and what they earn two to three years out. If the school can't or won't provide concrete outcomes for its own graduates, that opacity itself is informative about whether they're achieving results worth advertising.
Where Gannon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Programming bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,951 | $50,242* | — | $31,050* | — | |
| $37,400 | $102,580* | $122,323 | $27,000* | 0.26 | |
| $57,016 | $83,875* | — | $27,000* | 0.32 | |
| $14,944 | $80,830* | $94,556 | $19,723* | 0.24 | |
| $44,536 | $79,819* | — | $19,500* | 0.24 | |
| $9,552 | $74,151* | $67,954 | $49,211* | 0.66 | |
| National Median | — | $50,242* | — | $31,050* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Gannon University, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.