Computer and Information Sciences at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's computer science program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 80th percentile among Texas tech programs despite the university's 88% admission rate. That $72,804 starting salary beats the state median by nearly $18,000 and grows to over $91,000 by year four—a trajectory that puts it ahead of Texas A&M and within striking distance of much more selective schools.

The value proposition here is particularly strong for Texas families. At $22,625 in typical debt (below both state and national averages), students face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31—meaning they owe less than four months of their first-year salary. This combination of accessible admissions, reasonable debt, and strong earnings makes UTSA one of the better tech education bargains in Texas. While it won't match UT-Austin's six-figure outcomes, it significantly outperforms most alternatives at a fraction of the selectivity pressure.

For families concerned about return on investment, this is straightforward: UTSA delivers above-average earnings with below-average debt, and the 25% earnings growth shows employers value these graduates beyond entry-level roles. The 42% Pell Grant population suggests the program successfully serves students from diverse economic backgrounds without sacrificing outcomes.