Computer Science at Southern Adventist University

Based on comparable computer science programs in Tennessee, Southern Adventist graduates might expect first-year earnings around $59,567—solidly middle-of-the-pack for the state but roughly $11,000 below the national median for CS degrees. With estimated debt of $25,000, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a workable position for a field where salaries typically climb steadily with experience.

The challenge is uncertainty. Tennessee's computer science landscape varies dramatically, from Vanderbilt grads earning over $122,000 their first year to programs clustering in the mid-$50,000s to low-$60,000s. Where Southern Adventist actually falls within that range depends on factors the limited data can't reveal—employer relationships, curriculum focus, alumni networks in tech hubs. The school's 67% admission rate and moderate SAT profile suggest it serves a broad student population, which could mean anything from strong regional placement to graduates needing more time to reach competitive salaries.

For families weighing this investment: the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student thrives in Southern Adventist's faith-based environment and targets Tennessee's regional tech employers. But given the lack of school-specific outcomes data, you'd be wise to press the admissions office hard on actual placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent grads landed their first jobs.