Analysis
Midwestern State's computer science program delivers first-year earnings of $66,505—solidly above both the Texas median ($55,172) and the national median ($61,322) for similar programs. While debt figures are estimated from comparable Texas programs at $22,625, the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests graduates could reasonably pay down this amount in under a year if they prioritize it. That's a fundamentally sound starting position for a field where credential matters less than skills and portfolio work.
The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: growth from $66,505 to $84,389 over four years (27% increase) indicates graduates are gaining marketable experience and advancing beyond entry-level roles. This puts Midwestern State graduates in reasonable proximity to programs at Texas Tech ($82,521) and Texas A&M ($81,231), though predictably behind flagship programs like UT Austin and Rice. For a school with an 87% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell recipients (40%), these outcomes suggest effective preparation for the tech workforce.
The key question is whether Midwestern State provides the networking, internship access, and technical depth that drive career progression in this field. If your student can graduate with actual projects and work experience—not just coursework—and the estimated debt holds true, this program offers a viable path into technology careers without the competitive pressure or higher costs of flagship programs. Just verify the actual debt picture through the financial aid office before committing.
Where Midwestern State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Midwestern State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwestern State University | $66,505 | $84,389 | +27% |
| Rice University | $131,154 | $172,391 | +31% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $111,587 | $112,017 | +0% |
| Trinity University | $77,311 | $108,840 | +41% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $81,231 | $101,263 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,310 | $66,505 | $84,389 | $22,625* | — | |
| $58,128 | $131,154 | $172,391 | $12,381* | 0.09 | |
| $11,678 | $111,587 | $112,017 | $20,500* | 0.18 | |
| $11,852 | $82,521 | $91,795 | $23,197* | 0.28 | |
| $13,099 | $81,231 | $101,263 | $20,395* | 0.25 | |
| $11,299 | $77,763 | $80,128 | $28,064* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322 | — | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Midwestern State University, approximately 40% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.