Computer and Information Sciences at Strayer University-North Carolina

Strayer University-North Carolina's computer science program produces surprisingly strong earnings outcomes that outpace both national and state competition, but comes with a significant debt burden that demands careful consideration. Graduates earn $67,315 in their first year—ranking in the 65th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within North Carolina. More importantly, earnings grow steadily to $77,481 by year four, putting graduates ahead of programs at UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington.

The concerning element is debt: at $50,737, students graduate owing nearly double the national median and almost twice what NC students typically carry. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 remains manageable, and the program serves primarily Pell Grant recipients (80%) who might otherwise lack access to quality tech education. Within North Carolina's competitive landscape, only NC Central and East Carolina deliver higher starting salaries, making Strayer a legitimate contender despite being a for-profit institution.

For families weighing this investment, the numbers support the program's value—strong earnings that grow over time, with debt levels that, while high, don't overwhelm graduate incomes. The robust sample size gives confidence these results are reliable, not outliers.