Computer and Information Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Georgia Tech's computer science program delivers exceptional returns that justify its elite reputation. With graduates earning $105,137 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Georgia—this program significantly outperforms typical outcomes. The $127,253 median salary by year four represents strong career trajectory, with 21% earnings growth that suggests graduates land at top-tier tech companies where compensation scales quickly.
The debt picture is reasonable given the earning power. At $21,125, student debt sits below both state and national medians for computer science programs, creating an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.20. This means graduates typically earn five times their debt load annually, making loan repayment manageable even in expensive tech hubs. Among Georgia's computer science programs, only Spelman College comes close to Georgia Tech's outcomes, and even then falls short by $6,000+ in first-year earnings.
For families who can navigate the 16% admission rate, this represents one of the strongest value propositions in computer science education. The combination of elite earning potential, controlled debt levels, and proven career growth makes this program a standout investment that will likely pay dividends throughout a graduate's career.
Where Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus 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 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates earn $105k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Georgia Southern University | $63,616 | $83,106 | $23,750 | 0.37 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Georgia Southern University Statesboro | $5,905 | $63,616 | $23,750 |
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 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 387 graduates with reported earnings and 336 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.