Computer and Information Sciences at Mercer University

A computer science bachelor's from Mercer comes with estimated debt of $25,860 and first-year earnings around $61,300 based on similar Georgia programs—putting this squarely in line with national outcomes for this degree. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, with monthly loan payments likely eating up less than 10% of take-home pay if your child secures typical tech employment.

The challenge is context. Georgia Tech graduates in this field start at $105,000, while Spelman grads earn nearly $99,000—more than 70% higher than the state median Mercer's estimates reflect. Even UWG and Georgia State graduates clear $65,000-$69,000 in their first year. Computer science is one of the few majors where institutional prestige and technical rigor dramatically affect starting salaries, particularly for roles at major tech companies or competitive startups. Mercer's solid but not elite reputation in CS means your child might find themselves competing for mid-tier positions rather than the highest-paying opportunities that top Georgia programs access.

The financial picture itself isn't alarming—the debt burden is reasonable for a tech degree. But you're paying private school tuition (likely $40,000+ annually before aid) for outcomes that match the state average. If your child has the academic profile for Georgia Tech (Mercer's 1280 average SAT suggests they might), that path delivers dramatically better returns. If not, consider whether Mercer's smaller classes and support justify the premium over state universities producing similar earnings at lower cost.