Computer and Information Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's computer science program ranks among the absolute best in Texas and the nation—95th percentile in both—with graduates earning $111,587 right out of college. That's double what the typical Texas computer science graduate makes ($55,172) and nearly double the national median too. Only Rice beats these numbers in Texas, and Rice's premium might not justify its much higher tuition for most families. The debt burden of $20,500 is also manageable, representing less than two months of first-year earnings.

The flat earnings trajectory from year one to year four initially looks puzzling for such a prestigious program. However, this likely reflects UT Austin grads starting at such high salaries that they're already earning what many peers only reach mid-career. Tech hub proximity and the university's strong industry connections mean students often land competitive offers at major companies right away. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 is excellent—among the lowest you'll see for such strong outcomes.

For in-state students especially, this represents exceptional value. You're getting top-tier employment outcomes at public university prices. The 29% admission rate means it's selective but more accessible than comparable private institutions, and the robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results. If your child can get in and wants to work in tech, this is exactly the kind of program that pays for itself almost immediately.