Analysis
With estimated first-year earnings around $67,300 against $27,000 in debt, similar Computer Science programs in Pennsylvania suggest a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.4—well within the comfortable range for tech careers. This lines up with Pennsylvania's state median for CS bachelor's programs, though it falls noticeably short of the $71,000 national median. The debt load is slightly higher than the national median of $23,400, meaning graduates from comparable programs are starting somewhat behind their peers at larger state schools or tech-focused institutions.
The gap between Seton Hill's estimated outcomes and Pennsylvania's elite programs is stark—Carnegie Mellon and Penn graduates earn roughly double or triple these figures their first year out. Even regional competitors like Drexel ($86,900) and Pitt-Johnstown ($77,600) show stronger numbers based on reported data. This doesn't make the program unworkable, but it does mean graduates may need to be more strategic about their job search, potentially relocating to higher-paying markets or targeting specific employers rather than relying on on-campus recruiting pipelines that larger programs command.
For families prioritizing affordability and a personalized environment (Seton Hill's 76% admission rate and smaller class sizes suggest more individual attention), these comparable-program estimates point to a workable investment—the debt won't be crushing. But if maximizing early-career earnings matters most, the data suggests looking at programs with stronger placement records or lower net costs.
Where Seton Hill University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,414 | $67,310* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $63,829 | $171,264* | $247,552 | $21,442* | 0.13 | |
| $66,104 | $124,678* | $146,438 | $13,500* | 0.11 | |
| $62,180 | $88,587* | $106,799 | $23,854* | 0.27 | |
| $60,663 | $86,930* | $104,182 | $29,333* | 0.34 | |
| $14,646 | $77,599* | $85,906 | $26,977* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Seton Hill University, approximately 30% 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 median of 17 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.