Computer and Information Sciences at Lamar University

Lamar's computer science program produces graduates earning $54,531 their first year—below both the national median ($61,322) and Texas average ($55,172). While the 40th percentile ranking among Texas programs might seem middling, it masks a significant reality: the state's top programs vastly outperform this one, with UT Austin graduates earning more than double and even regional competitors like Prairie View A&M showing $77,763 in early earnings.

The debt load of $26,071 sits slightly above Texas norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that's manageable but unremarkable. Computer science typically offers strong financial returns that justify student loans, but Lamar's outcomes don't deliver the same payoff. For context, this is an accessible institution (86% admission rate, serving many Pell-eligible students), which matters for families who need an affordable path into tech. However, the sub-30 graduate sample size means these numbers could swing considerably year to year.

If your child can gain admission to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or even Texas Tech, the earnings advantage is substantial enough to justify the effort. Lamar might make sense for students needing to stay local in Southeast Texas or those who require an easier admissions pathway, but families should weigh whether Texas State University or other mid-tier public options might deliver better outcomes at similar accessibility levels. The modest earnings here won't create financial hardship, but they won't provide the typical computer science graduate advantage either.