Computer and Information Sciences at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Harrisburg University's computer science program shows troubling earnings that fall well behind both Pennsylvania and national benchmarks—and worse, the numbers move in the wrong direction over time. Starting at $47,944 (already $13,000 below the state median), graduates see their earnings dip to $44,732 by year four. Among Pennsylvania's 62 computer science programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar in-state programs deliver better outcomes.
The debt picture compounds the concern. At $29,750, borrowing slightly exceeds both state and national medians for this field. While the 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, it's problematic when earnings are declining rather than growing. Computer science typically offers strong financial returns—Pennsylvania's median graduate in this field earns $57,260, and nearby schools like Lehigh and Villanova see graduates earning over $83,000. This program appears to be underperforming in a field where strong outcomes should be the norm.
The small sample size means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. However, for a field as consistently strong as computer science, these results suggest parents should look closely at Pennsylvania's many stronger alternatives before committing.
Where Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 18th 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 Pennsylvania
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (62 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | $47,944 | $44,732 | $29,750 | 0.62 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $146,204 | $246,946 | $15,000 | 0.10 |
| Swarthmore College | $103,686 | $157,852 | — | — |
| Villanova University | $83,455 | $89,645 | $26,225 | 0.31 |
| Lehigh University | $83,356 | $94,982 | $24,019 | 0.29 |
| Wilkes University | $83,041 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $146,204 | $15,000 |
| Swarthmore College Swarthmore | $62,412 | $103,686 | — |
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $83,455 | $26,225 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $83,356 | $24,019 |
| Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre | $42,286 | $83,041 | — |
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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, approximately 48% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.