Computer and Information Sciences at La Salle University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
La Salle's computer science program delivers a solidly middle-of-the-road outcome within Pennsylvania, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 62 programs. With first-year earnings of $58,662 and manageable debt of $27,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46—meaning they owe less than half their first year's salary. That's a comfortable position compared to many programs, and the relatively low debt burden (25th percentile nationally) suggests this could be a financially sound path for students who might otherwise take on heavier loans at more expensive schools.
The caution here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data—which means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. Still, the pattern makes sense: earnings trail elite Pennsylvania programs like Penn or Villanova by substantial margins, but they're actually above the state median for computer science degrees. For families prioritizing affordability and accessibility (La Salle admits 86% of applicants), this represents a reasonable entry point into tech careers without the crushing debt that can accompany more prestigious names.
The program won't catapult your child to six-figure starting salaries, but it provides a practical foundation with financial breathing room. If your student needs a supportive environment to develop technical skills and can graduate near that $27,000 debt figure, they'll have options rather than obligations when they enter the workforce.
Where La Salle University 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 La Salle University graduates compare to all programs nationally
La Salle University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle University | $58,662 | — | $27,000 | 0.46 |
| 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 La Salle University, approximately 33% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.