Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
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
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Dallas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $72,472 | $87,411 | +21% |
| Rice University | $131,154 | $172,391 | +31% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $111,587 | $112,017 | +0% |
| Trinity University | $77,311 | $108,840 | +41% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $81,231 | $101,263 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,564 | $72,472 | $87,411 | $18,642 | 0.26 | |
| $58,128 | $131,154 | $172,391 | $12,381 | 0.09 | |
| $11,678 | $111,587 | $112,017 | $20,500 | 0.18 | |
| $11,852 | $82,521 | $91,795 | $23,197 | 0.28 | |
| $13,099 | $81,231 | $101,263 | $20,395 | 0.25 | |
| $11,299 | $77,763 | $80,128 | $28,064 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Explore Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences in Texas
- Rice University$131,154
- The University of Texas at Austin$111,587
- Texas Tech University$82,521
- Texas A&M University-College Station$81,231
- Prairie View A & M University$77,763
Explore further
- All Programs in computing, programming, data management, cybersecurity, and information systems. Covers software development, network administration, data science, artificial intelligence, and IT management. programs nationwide
- All programs at The University of Texas at Dallas
- College programs in Texas
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.