Computer and Information Sciences at Peirce College

Peirce College's computer science graduates earn solid starting salaries of $66,352—actually beating both Pennsylvania's median ($57,260) and the national average ($61,322) for this degree. But here's the problem: graduates carry more than double the typical debt load. At $52,829, this is the 95th percentile nationally for computer science programs, meaning 95% of similar programs nationwide send students out with less debt.

That debt burden creates a challenging financial picture despite the decent earnings. While the 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic for a tech degree, you're looking at significantly higher loan payments than graduates from comparable Pennsylvania programs would face. The flat earnings trajectory—essentially no growth between year one and year four—compounds this concern, suggesting limited advancement opportunities for these graduates.

The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (52%), which is commendable, but prospective families should know they're taking on substantial debt for outcomes that, while above-average, don't justify the premium price tag. With Pennsylvania offering 62 computer science programs, including several that deliver stronger earnings with far less debt, this represents an expensive path into the field. The small sample size adds uncertainty, but the core tradeoff is clear: paying significantly more for modestly better-than-average results.