Computer and Information Sciences at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State's computer science graduates start at $54,157—slightly below Texas's median for the program—but then see their earnings decline to $50,309 by year four. This backward trajectory is unusual for a field where most graduates see steady advancement, and it suggests these graduates may be landing in roles with limited growth potential or facing challenges transitioning to higher-paying positions.

The program's affordability is its strongest feature: at $24,634 in median debt, graduates aren't carrying crushing loan burdens, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 is manageable. However, Texas offers significantly better options at similar price points. Prairie View A&M, for instance, produces graduates earning $77,763—more than 50% higher than Tarleton—while Texas Tech graduates start above $82,000. Even among Texas's 59 computer science programs, Tarleton ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning most peer schools deliver stronger outcomes.

For a family weighing this program, the key question is whether the access Tarleton provides (94% admission rate, serving 37% Pell Grant students) outweighs the earnings disadvantage. If your child has options at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or even regional competitors like Texas Tech, those programs offer substantially better return on investment. Tarleton might make sense as a pathway into tech for students who need that open door, but it's not maximizing the earnings potential that typically makes computer science such a reliable degree choice.