Computer and Information Sciences at Troy University

Troy University's computer science graduates start at $58,407—below both the national median ($61,322) and well behind Alabama's median ($67,315). This 40th percentile ranking among Alabama tech programs is particularly striking given that even the state's regional competitors are placing graduates $10,000-$25,000 higher. With top state schools like Alabama and Auburn pushing earnings above $70,000, Troy's relatively open admissions (93% acceptance rate) appear to translate into more modest career placement outcomes.

The silver lining here is debt management: at $27,437, graduates carry relatively light loans that create a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio. A computer science graduate at Troy would need about six months of gross salary to cover their student debt—not an unreasonable burden. The earnings stability over four years, though modest at just 3% growth, suggests these graduates find steady employment rather than struggling to gain footing.

For Alabama families, this program offers an affordable entry point into tech careers, but it comes with a significant earnings trade-off. If your child can gain admission to UAB, Auburn, or especially Alabama-Huntsville (which combines strong outcomes with reasonable selectivity), the $10,000-$15,000 annual earnings premium would likely justify higher costs. Troy makes sense primarily for students who need the accessibility of near-open admissions or who plan to leverage the degree for career advancement rather than entry-level placement.