Computer Science at Longwood University

Longwood's computer science program delivers $78,085 in first-year earnings—solid performance that lands above both the state and national medians for CS bachelor's degrees. That puts graduates in a stronger starting position than about 60% of Virginia CS programs, trailing the state's flagship and research universities but clearing the typical program outcome by roughly $6,000.

The debt picture appears manageable based on comparable Virginia programs, which suggest around $24,125 at graduation. That translates to a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months' worth of their first-year salary—well within the range where student debt remains financially digestible for a technical field with strong earning potential. Similar programs in the state typically carry slightly more debt ($26,000 median), so Longwood appears competitive on this front even if we're working from peer data rather than school-specific figures.

The practical calculus here is straightforward: you're paying less (in estimated debt) than many Virginia CS programs while getting earnings that exceed state and national norms. For families who can't or won't aim for William & Mary or George Mason, this represents a credible path into tech careers without the debt burden or admission barriers of more selective programs. The 85% admission rate makes this accessible, and the earnings suggest graduates are finding decent positions in Virginia's growing tech sector.