Computer Science at North American University

Texas has become a powerhouse for computer science graduates, with median first-year earnings around $83,000—well above the national figure of $71,000. Based on peer programs across the state, North American University's CS degree appears positioned right in the middle of this competitive field. The estimated $27,000 in debt is modest for a bachelor's degree, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. That's manageable by most standards, especially in a field with strong earning potential.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, North American serves a population that needs financial predictability, yet the small graduate cohort means we're working entirely from estimates. Similar Texas CS programs range from the low $80,000s at public universities to over $93,000 at Southern Methodist—a spread that matters when you're calculating loan payoff timelines. The actual outcomes for this specific program could fall anywhere in that range, or even outside it.

For families weighing this decision, the fundamental question is whether you're comfortable proceeding with limited visibility into this program's actual track record. The estimates suggest solid value, but they're educated guesses, not evidence. If your child has admission offers from larger programs with reported outcomes—even with slightly higher debt—that certainty might be worth the trade-off.