Analysis
Computer Science programs in South Carolina typically produce first-year earnings around $64,000, but peer programs nationally suggest Presbyterian College graduates might command closer to $71,000—roughly $7,000 above the state median. With an estimated debt load of $25,000, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning the debt is about a third of first-year salary. That's manageable by most standards, suggesting graduates could realistically pay down loans without undue strain while building their careers.
The caveat here is that Presbyterian's small program size means we're working with estimates rather than verified outcomes. The national and state figures give us useful guardrails—Computer Science is generally a solid bet financially—but we can't confirm how Presbyterian's specific graduates perform in the job market. The school's 72% admission rate and modest selectivity suggest it's not competing directly with flagship programs, yet comparable schools like Wofford report earnings that align with the state median rather than exceeding it.
For a parent evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look sound: reasonable debt paired with a high-demand degree. Just recognize you're betting on pattern rather than proof—the degree should deliver solid returns if Presbyterian's outcomes track with similar programs, but you won't find hard data confirming that until your child joins the alumni pool.
Where Presbyterian College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,300 | $70,950* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $54,100 | $64,267* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Presbyterian College, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 345 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.