Computer and Information Sciences at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's Computer and Information Sciences program launches graduates into strong starting salaries—$75,310 in year one—and the earnings trajectory is impressive, jumping to nearly $100,000 within four years. That 32% growth rate reflects healthy career progression in a field that rewards experience. The debt load of $25,334 is remarkably reasonable for a tech degree, resulting in a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates can realistically tackle their loans while building savings. With robust sample size backing these numbers, this isn't a fluke—it's a consistent pattern.

Here's the Delaware context that matters: while this program ranks in the 84th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Delaware's four CS programs. That's not a red flag—it simply reflects that Delaware's tech programs generally perform well. More importantly, graduates here carry about $13,000 less debt than the state median, which is a significant advantage when those monthly payments start. The program outearns Strayer University-Delaware by $8,000 at the starting line.

For a moderately selective public university (65% admission rate), this represents solid value. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and enter a field where the earnings curve bends upward quickly. The combination of strong starting pay and demonstrable growth makes this a defensible investment, particularly if in-state tuition keeps the debt near this median level.