Computer and Information Sciences at Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin's computer science program starts graduates $12,000 below the national median, landing in just the 21st percentile nationally. However, what sets this program apart is the trajectory: earnings jump 40% to nearly $69,000 by year four, closing much of that initial gap. At the Texas state level, this program sits right at the median—the 40th percentile—meaning it performs comparably to half of the state's CS programs despite its much lower price point than flagships like UT Austin ($111,587) or Texas A&M ($81,231).

The $25,000 debt load is manageable at half of first-year earnings, and that ratio only improves as graduates gain experience. For families seeking an affordable in-state option, particularly those qualifying for need-based aid (37% of students receive Pell grants), this represents solid value. You're trading lower initial earnings for minimal debt and strong growth potential in a field where skills and experience matter more than pedigree.

The practical takeaway: If your child can get accepted to UT or Texas A&M, those programs deliver significantly higher earnings. But among accessible Texas public universities, Stephen F Austin offers a reasonable path into tech careers without the debt burden that could constrain early-career choices.