Median Earnings (1yr)
$72,472
77th percentile (80th in TX)
Median Debt
$18,642
25% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26
Manageable
Sample Size
575
Adequate data

Analysis

UT Dallas computer science delivers exceptional value that most families overlook. With graduates earning $72,472 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among Texas programs—this represents a 31% premium over the state median of $55,172. More importantly, the debt picture is outstanding: at just $18,642, students graduate with roughly $7,000 less debt than typical Texas CS graduates and $6,000 less than the national average.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in about three years, making this one of the most financially sensible paths into tech. While Rice and UT Austin produce higher earners, they come with significantly steeper admission requirements and likely higher costs. UT Dallas offers a middle path—higher earnings than most state schools but with reasonable admission standards (65% acceptance rate, 1300 SAT) and manageable debt loads.

The 21% earnings growth to $87,411 by year four shows strong career trajectory, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable. For families seeking a practical entry into tech careers without crushing debt, UT Dallas represents one of the better values in Texas higher education. Your child gets strong earning potential with financial breathing room after graduation.

Where The University of Texas at Dallas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally

The University of Texas at DallasOther computer and information sciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How The University of Texas at Dallas graduates compare to all programs nationally

The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn $72k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of Texas at Dallas$72,472$87,411$18,6420.26
Rice University$131,154$172,391$12,3810.09
The University of Texas at Austin$111,587$112,017$20,5000.18
Texas Tech University$82,521$91,795$23,1970.28
Texas A&M University-College Station$81,231$101,263$20,3950.25
Prairie View A & M University$77,763$80,128$28,0640.36
National Median$61,322—$25,0000.41

Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Rice University
Houston
$58,128$131,154$12,381
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$111,587$20,500
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
$11,852$82,521$23,197
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station
$13,099$81,231$20,395
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View
$11,299$77,763$28,064

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At The University of Texas at Dallas, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 575 graduates with reported earnings and 537 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.