Computer and Information Sciences at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's computer science program launches graduates into earnings that outpace 95% of similar programs nationwide and 80% of programs within Texas—strong positioning in a state with serious tech competition. First-year graduates earn $81,231, climbing to $101,263 by year four, well above both the national median of $61,322 and Texas's $55,172. The debt load of $20,395 translates to just three months of starting salary, one of the more favorable debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in this field. This puts A&M's program ahead of schools like Prairie View A&M and Trinity University while trailing only Rice and UT Austin in the state.

The caveat here matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary more than at larger programs. That said, the pattern makes sense given A&M's strong engineering reputation and corporate recruiting presence in Texas. The 25% earnings growth over four years suggests solid career momentum, and the manageable debt means students aren't gambling with their financial future even if outcomes shift somewhat from this snapshot.

For a family weighing options, this represents a clear path to strong employment outcomes at a cost that won't constrain career choices. The moderately selective admissions (63% acceptance rate) also make it accessible compared to UT Austin, though Rice remains the earnings leader if your student can get in and afford it.