Computer Science at La Salle University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
La Salle's computer science graduates earn slightly above Pennsylvania's median ($70,783 vs. $67,310), landing in the 60th percentile statewide—a respectable showing in a state dominated by Carnegie Mellon and Penn's elite programs. The debt load of $27,000 sits right at Pennsylvania's average and well below the national median, resulting in a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio. Students appear to be getting solid entry-level outcomes without taking on excessive loans, which matters at a school where a third of students receive Pell grants.
The caveat here is significant: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, a few outliers could skew these numbers substantially. One or two students landing high-paying positions in NYC or one struggling graduate could dramatically shift the median. The middle-of-the-pack national ranking (50th percentile) suggests this program produces competent developers, but you're not looking at the accelerated trajectories that schools like Drexel or Pitt deliver.
For families seeking an affordable computer science degree without elite admission requirements (La Salle admits 86% of applicants), these numbers work. Your child will likely enter the workforce earning a livable wage with manageable debt. Just recognize you're betting on a small dataset—confirm the trend holds by connecting with recent alumni before committing.
Where La Salle University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science 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 $71k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle University | $70,783 | — | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $171,264 | $247,552 | $21,442 | 0.13 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $124,678 | $146,438 | $13,500 | 0.11 |
| Lehigh University | $88,587 | $106,799 | $23,854 | 0.27 |
| Drexel University | $86,930 | $104,182 | $29,333 | 0.34 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $77,599 | $85,906 | $26,977 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh | $63,829 | $171,264 | $21,442 |
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $124,678 | $13,500 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $88,587 | $23,854 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $86,930 | $29,333 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown | $14,646 | $77,599 | $26,977 |
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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.