Computer Science at Jackson State University

Jackson State's Computer Science program produces graduates earning around $70,000—right at the Mississippi median and just shy of the national benchmark. What makes this program stand out is the debt picture: at $28,000, it's in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of CS programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. For a school serving predominantly Pell Grant recipients (68% of students), keeping debt this manageable while delivering market-rate tech salaries is significant. Among Mississippi's five CS programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it performs better than most in-state alternatives.

The earnings trajectory is modest—just 4% growth from year one to year four—but graduates start at a solid baseline that covers the debt load comfortably. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can expect to owe roughly five months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden in an industry known for strong earning potential. Keep in mind these figures are based on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.

For Mississippi families seeking an affordable path into tech, this program delivers exactly what matters: reasonable debt and immediate earning power that matches what CS grads earn nationally. The open admission policy and strong Pell population suggest accessibility matters here, and the outcomes show that approach doesn't compromise financial results.