Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,439
60th percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$26,000
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.40
Manageable
Sample Size
336
Adequate data

Analysis

Georgia State University's Computer and Information Sciences program offers solid middle-tier performance that should satisfy most parents looking for reliable tech career preparation. With first-year earnings of $65,439 and manageable debt of $26,000, graduates enter the workforce with a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals financial strain.

The program's 60th percentile ranking both nationally and within Georgia reflects consistent, if not exceptional, performance. While it can't compete with Georgia Tech's $105,000+ starting salaries, it significantly outperforms the state median of $61,318 and costs less than typical Georgia programs (debt is $1,670 below the state median). The 21% earnings growth to $79,310 by year four demonstrates that graduates build valuable skills that translate into career advancement.

For families seeking a practical path into technology careers without the ultra-competitive admission requirements of elite programs, this represents a sound investment. The university's 50% Pell grant population suggests strong support for students from various economic backgrounds, while the robust sample size of 100+ graduates provides confidence in these outcomes. Your child would graduate with marketable skills and reasonable debt into a field with strong long-term prospects.

Where Georgia State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Georgia State UniversityOther computer and information sciences programs

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 State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Georgia State University graduates earn $65k, placing them in the 60th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia State University$65,439$79,310$26,0000.40
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus$105,137$127,253$21,1250.20
Spelman College$98,692
University of West Georgia$69,653$86,652$26,8230.39
Strayer University-Georgia$67,315$77,481$50,7370.75
Georgia Southern University$63,616$83,106$23,7500.37
National Median$61,322$25,0000.41

Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 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 State University, approximately 50% 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 336 graduates with reported earnings and 275 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.