Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,219
58th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$24,635
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

A computer systems analysis degree with estimated debt around $24,600 represents a manageable financial starting point, especially when paired with first-year earnings of $54,219. That debt level—if it holds true for this school—would be roughly half the national median for this bachelor's program, suggesting students here may be borrowing less while achieving comparable outcomes to peer institutions.

The earnings trajectory looks solid. First-year graduates earn slightly above the national median for this major, and by year four, income jumps 35% to nearly $73,000. This growth pattern aligns well with how technical careers typically develop as graduates gain experience and certifications. Among the limited number of schools offering this specific program nationally, Saginaw Valley performs in the middle tier—not exceptional, but reliably above average.

The real uncertainty here is whether that estimated debt figure accurately reflects what your student would actually borrow. Since it's derived from other programs at the university rather than actual computer systems analysis graduates, individual outcomes could vary significantly based on financial aid packages, housing choices, and family contribution. What we can say is that the earnings appear strong enough to handle moderate debt comfortably, but you'll want to get specific financial aid projections before making a commitment.

Where Saginaw Valley State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems analysis bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Saginaw Valley State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Saginaw Valley State University$54,219$72,907+34%
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities$73,013$95,664+31%
Howard University$92,324$86,521-6%
University of Houston$55,565$79,939+44%
Kent State University at Kent$55,790$74,118+33%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Systems Analysis bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center$12,240$54,219$72,907$24,635*
Howard UniversityWashington$33,344$92,324$86,521*
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$73,740$20,750*0.28
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis$16,488$73,013$95,664$20,041*0.27
Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville$8,675$65,084$24,279*0.37
California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos$7,739$61,054*
National Median$52,507$46,000*0.88
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems analysis graduates

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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 Saginaw Valley State University, approximately 32% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.