Analysis
Herzing University-Atlanta's computer programming graduates start at $50,242—outearning the typical Georgia grad in this field by about $3,800 and placing in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a solid starting point for a school with a 94% admission rate serving predominantly Pell Grant students. What makes this program particularly interesting is the trajectory: by year four, earnings jump to $74,006, a 47% increase that suggests graduates are landing roles with real advancement potential.
The $31,050 debt load sits right at the national median, but against that first-year salary, it means graduates face manageable repayment—roughly 62 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one. This ratio improves dramatically as earnings grow, and the program delivers better early outcomes than more selective options like Kennesaw State, where graduates start around $42,000.
The catch: these numbers come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual experiences could vary significantly from these medians. But for families looking at accessible computer programming programs in Georgia, the combination of competitive starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and reasonable debt suggests Herzing is converting opportunity into outcomes. The real risk here isn't the economics—it's whether your student will be among those who complete the program and move into the field.
Where Herzing University-Atlanta Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Herzing University-Atlanta graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University-Atlanta | $50,242 | $74,006 | +47% |
| DigiPen Institute of Technology | $102,580 | $122,323 | +19% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $80,830 | $94,556 | +17% |
| New England Institute of Technology | $72,595 | $85,769 | +18% |
| Kennesaw State University | $42,668 | $67,919 | +59% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Computer Programming bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,420 | $50,242 | $74,006 | $31,050 | 0.62 | |
| $5,786 | $42,668 | $67,919 | $25,214 | 0.59 | |
| 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 Herzing University-Atlanta, approximately 68% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.