Analysis
Drawing from similar computer science programs across Alabama, Tuskegee's estimated first-year earnings of $67,315 would place graduates near the state median but well below Alabama's top performers. Auburn graduates earn about $5,000 more, while University of Alabama graduates command nearly $16,000 more in their first year. The estimated $25,860 in debt sits comfortably below Alabama's typical $27,000 for these programs, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38βmeaning debt equals roughly five months of gross salary.
What complicates this picture is the absence of reported data. When schools lack sufficient graduates to meet federal reporting thresholds, it can signal either a small cohort size or high attrition. For a selective HBCU with strong STEM traditions like Tuskegee, small cohorts may simply reflect program scale, but parents should understand they're betting on peer program outcomes rather than demonstrated track records. The national median of $61,322 suggests the Alabama estimates are reasonable, yet individual outcomes could vary significantly.
For families investing in a Tuskegee education, the question becomes whether the university's smaller class sizes and specialized attention justify potentially lower earnings compared to larger state flagships. The debt load appears manageable either way, but without concrete data on this program's actual graduates, you're essentially banking on statewide averages holding trueβa reasonable assumption, though not guaranteed.
Where Tuskegee University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,440 | $67,315* | β | $25,860* | β | |
| $11,900 | $83,651* | $88,504 | $22,000* | 0.26 | |
| β | $78,435* | $84,779 | $31,060* | 0.40 | |
| $11,770 | $75,159* | $76,810 | $22,000* | 0.29 | |
| $12,536 | $72,440* | $87,874 | $25,000* | 0.35 | |
| $8,832 | $69,633* | $86,934 | $24,000* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $61,322* | β | $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
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 Tuskegee University, approximately 48% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.