Computer Science at The University of Texas at Arlington

UT Arlington's computer science program punches well above its weight, delivering $85,000 starting salaries with just $19,500 in median debt—a ratio that makes it one of the strongest value propositions in Texas. While it sits in the 60th percentile among Texas programs, that context is actually impressive: you're competing against top-tier schools like Texas A&M and SMU while paying significantly less in debt (Texas median is $25,222). The earnings trajectory is solid if unspectacular, climbing to nearly $90,000 by year four.

The real story here is accessibility meeting outcomes. With an 81% admission rate and 40% of students on Pell grants, UT Arlington provides a genuine path into tech careers for students who might not get into the state's most selective programs. You're landing above the national median for computer science graduates ($71,000) while taking on below-average debt, which matters enormously in the early years when you're establishing your career and financial foundation.

For families weighing options, this program delivers what matters most: strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and reasonable admission standards. You're not getting SMU's $94,000 average, but you're also not gambling on acceptance or drowning in loans. That's a smart tradeoff for most students targeting software development or IT careers.