Computer and Information Sciences at Saint Vincent College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Saint Vincent College's computer science graduates start at $45,254—about $16,000 below Pennsylvania's median for this program and roughly $12,000 less than a typical computer science grad nationwide. Even among Pennsylvania's 62 computer science programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile. The state's tech market clearly supports higher starting salaries (Pennsylvania's median is $57,260), but Saint Vincent's graduates aren't capturing that value in their first year out.
The debt load of $27,000 matches Pennsylvania's typical burden for this program, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60. That's manageable compared to some fields, but the real concern is the earnings gap: graduates at schools like Wilkes University start at $83,041 with similar debt, meaning they can pay down loans nearly twice as fast. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—one unusual graduating class could skew these figures significantly.
For a parent weighing options, the math is straightforward: your child would need nearly 18 months of first-year earnings to cover this debt versus about 9 months at higher-performing Pennsylvania programs. If Saint Vincent offers other compelling reasons—fit, scholarships, or specialized programs—factor those in carefully. But purely as a computer science investment, Pennsylvania offers considerably stronger options at comparable debt levels.
Where Saint Vincent College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Vincent College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Saint Vincent College graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 13th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (62 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Vincent College | $45,254 | — | $27,000 | 0.60 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $146,204 | $246,946 | $15,000 | 0.10 |
| Swarthmore College | $103,686 | $157,852 | — | — |
| Villanova University | $83,455 | $89,645 | $26,225 | 0.31 |
| Lehigh University | $83,356 | $94,982 | $24,019 | 0.29 |
| Wilkes University | $83,041 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $146,204 | $15,000 |
| Swarthmore College Swarthmore | $62,412 | $103,686 | — |
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $83,455 | $26,225 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $83,356 | $24,019 |
| Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre | $42,286 | $83,041 | — |
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 Saint Vincent College, approximately 27% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.