Analysis
Computer Science programs in Florida cluster tightly around $70,000-$75,000 for starting salaries, and Stetson's estimated first-year earnings of $72,237 align with that state norm. Based on comparable Florida programs, graduates here would face roughly $26,000 in debt—a manageable 0.36 ratio that puts earnings at nearly three times the debt load. That's substantially better than many liberal arts degrees and positions graduates to pay down loans quickly while building tech careers.
The uncertainty here matters because we're working with estimates from peer programs rather than Stetson's actual outcomes. With an 86% admission rate and moderate SAT scores, this isn't a flagship program commanding premium salaries like Georgia Tech or UF might. But it also doesn't need to be—the fundamentals work at this price point. Computer Science remains one of the most reliable paths to financial stability, and the estimated debt burden here won't hamstring graduates the way $50,000+ loads do in other fields.
For anxious parents, the question is whether Stetson justifies its private school price tag over cheaper state alternatives. If your child thrives in smaller settings and the actual debt stays near this $26,000 estimate, this looks defensible. Just verify the real costs carefully—private universities can surprise families with net prices that diverge significantly from these median figures, and without reported data, you're betting on consistency with peer schools.
Where Stetson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,220 | $72,237* | — | $25,972* | — | |
| $59,926 | $76,877* | $81,444 | $18,830* | 0.24 | |
| $44,360 | $75,231* | $96,310 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $28,360 | $72,237* | — | $25,972* | 0.36 | |
| $15,117 | $53,832* | $73,463 | $38,409* | 0.71 | |
| $26,417 | $50,359* | — | $19,875* | 0.39 | |
| 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 Stetson University, approximately 35% 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 5 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.