Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Is $27,000 in debt manageable when similar computer science programs in Florida produce first-year earnings around $57,000? The answer appears to be yes, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggesting graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within their first few years of work. This falls right at Florida's median for CS bachelor's programs, though it lags the national median by about $4,300—a gap that's modest but persistent.
The more significant concern is the wide range of outcomes across Florida schools. Top programs like UF and UCF report graduates earning $68,000 to $90,000 in their first year, raising questions about Jacksonville University's competitive positioning in the state's tech job market. The estimated $57,000 baseline isn't problematic on its own—it's still a solid tech salary—but paying similar debt for notably lower earnings than flagship state schools deserves consideration, especially since those larger programs may also offer stronger alumni networks and employer pipelines.
For parents, the key question is placement: where do Jacksonville University CS graduates actually land jobs, and at what companies? If your student has admission options at UF or UCF, the earnings data suggests those might deliver better returns. If Jacksonville University offers something unique—smaller class sizes, specific mentorship, or geographic preference for staying in Jacksonville—the financial fundamentals are sound enough to justify it, but verify that the career outcomes justify the premium over Florida's public options.
Where Jacksonville University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,180 | $56,998* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $6,381 | $90,651* | $108,528 | $16,000* | 0.18 | |
| $3,876 | $90,651* | $108,528 | $16,000* | 0.18 | |
| $58,300 | $69,707* | $72,024 | $27,000* | 0.39 | |
| $6,368 | $68,793* | $78,429 | $22,751* | 0.33 | |
| $13,920 | $67,315* | $77,481 | $50,737* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322* | — | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Jacksonville University, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 22 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.