Computer and Information Sciences at Southern Wesleyan University

Based on comparable computer science programs in South Carolina, this program appears to track right at the state median—with estimated first-year earnings around $65,800 and debt near $25,900. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary, a manageable figure that suggests the credential pays for itself relatively quickly in a field with strong entry-level demand.

What's harder to gauge is how Southern Wesleyan's open-admission model translates to outcomes in a technical field. While the estimated earnings align with the state median, they trail programs at Clemson and USC by $3,000-$8,000 annually—a meaningful gap over a career. The school's 100% acceptance rate and modest average SAT scores suggest it serves students who might not access more selective programs, but without actual graduate data, it's unclear whether the school's support systems help these students reach similar outcomes or whether they fall short of peers elsewhere.

The practical takeaway: if your child is considering this program because other options feel out of reach academically or financially, the estimated numbers suggest it could work—especially given that estimated debt is below both state and national medians. But if they could gain admission to Clemson or USC, those programs show measurably stronger earnings in a field where that initial salary matters for long-term trajectory. Push the school for placement rates and actual employer partnerships before committing.