Computer and Information Sciences at Texas Southern University

Texas Southern's computer science graduates start at $45,000—roughly $10,000 below the Texas median and in the bottom quarter of state programs. That gap matters in a state where tech talent commands premium salaries, especially given Houston's growing tech sector. The $35,000 in debt is actually higher than average for Texas CS programs (which typically see $23,000), creating an uncomfortable first-year financial squeeze.

The 31% earnings growth to $59,000 by year four shows promising momentum, though graduates remain well below what peers at UT Austin or Texas A&M earn from day one. For a family prioritizing immediate job market competitiveness, this program lags substantially behind stronger state options. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) adds uncertainty—these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

The question isn't whether a CS degree has value—it does. But with a 93% admission rate and Pell grant enrollment over 70%, Texas Southern serves students who may have fewer alternatives. For families with geographic flexibility or stronger academic profiles, pursuing CS at programs with proven track records of higher earnings makes financial sense. For students committed to TSU, understanding that career advancement may require extra networking, certifications, or graduate education to reach competitive salary levels becomes essential.