Analysis
Texas computer science programs typically produce strong early earnings, and similar programs suggest Southwestern Adventist's graduates could earn around $82,714 in their first year—placing them competitively within the state's range. That estimated figure aligns with the Texas median and puts the program within striking distance of larger state universities. The estimated $27,000 debt load, while slightly above the state median, translates to a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning roughly four months of gross pay to cover the total borrowing.
The challenge here is certainty. Because the school's graduate cohort is too small for the DOE to publish actual outcomes, these figures are derived from peer programs across Texas. That means your child could do better or worse depending on the specific strength of Southwestern Adventist's curriculum, career services, and employer connections. Computer science generally offers strong ROI even with above-average debt, but at a smaller institution with a 56% admission rate and average SAT of 1031, the quality of instruction and alumni network becomes more variable.
If your child is drawn to Southwestern Adventist's faith-based environment and smaller classes, ask directly about job placement rates, internship partnerships with Dallas-Fort Worth tech companies, and whether graduates actually land developer roles or end up in IT support. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but the school's ability to match those peer outcomes will depend on factors the data can't capture.
Where Southwestern Adventist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,588 | $82,714* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $64,460 | $93,679* | $106,128 | $26,000* | 0.28 | |
| $9,101 | $88,391* | $98,049 | $26,000* | 0.29 | |
| $13,099 | $86,084* | — | $20,187* | 0.23 | |
| $11,728 | $84,759* | $89,635 | $19,500* | 0.23 | |
| $54,844 | $82,714* | $94,244 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| 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 Southwestern Adventist University, approximately 39% 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 9 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.