Computer and Information Sciences at Susquehanna University

Starting at $47,220, Susquehanna's Computer Science graduates earn about 18% less than the Pennsylvania median for this major and nearly 23% below the national average. While the debt load of $27,000 matches the state median and remains reasonable with a 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, the real concern is what students aren't getting for that debt—market-competitive tech salaries. This program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Pennsylvania CS programs, meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better-earning outcomes.

The small graduating class size (under 30) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year, but the pattern is still notable: at Pennsylvania schools like Wilkes University or even regional competitors, CS graduates start with salaries in the low-$80,000s. That $30,000-plus earnings gap translates to roughly $1.5 million less over a 30-year career before accounting for raises and compound growth. For a family paying private school tuition, that's a steep price for a degree that delivers below-market outcomes.

If your child is set on Susquehanna for campus culture or other programs, the CS pathway is financially viable but not particularly competitive. However, families specifically seeking strong tech career preparation should look at Pennsylvania's public universities or higher-ranked private programs where Computer Science graduates command salaries closer to industry standards from day one.