Computer and Information Sciences at North Carolina Wesleyan University

North Carolina Wesleyan's Computer Science graduates start at $42,142—nearly $12,000 below the state median and $19,000 below the national average for this degree. Even at the four-year mark, earnings reach only $49,708, which still trails what typical Computer Science graduates earn in their first year at most programs. Among North Carolina's 27 schools offering this degree, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of in-state alternatives produce better outcomes. For comparison, NC Central grads earn $74,597 and UNC Charlotte grads earn $60,639 in their first year.

The manageable $22,186 debt load provides some cushion—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is reasonable—but it can't overcome the fundamental earnings gap. A Computer Science degree should open doors to well-paying entry-level positions, yet these graduates are earning what many liberal arts majors make. The 18% earnings growth over four years is positive but doesn't close the gap with peer programs.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you can likely find stronger Computer Science outcomes at other North Carolina public universities with similar or lower costs. The moderate debt won't crush graduates, but starting $12,000 below state averages in a high-demand field suggests this program isn't maximizing its students' earning potential.