Computer Science at University of Georgia

UGA's Computer Science program sits in an interesting middle ground—earning just below the state's top private university (Emory at $81K) while charging roughly a quarter of the debt. With first-year earnings of $79,546 and a debt load of $22,500, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross salary. That's a strong position for any tech degree, though it trails the stellar outcomes some in-state competitors achieve with even less debt.

The earnings trajectory here is steady rather than spectacular. Graduates see an 11% bump from year one to year four, reaching $88K. While this beats the national median handily (71st percentile), it lags slightly behind the state median, landing at the 60th percentile among Georgia programs. That's not alarming—UGA's selectivity and strong brand likely mean students are landing quality first jobs but may face competition from Georgia Tech grads and out-of-state programs for the highest-paying positions.

For in-state students, the value equation is straightforward: manageable debt, solid earnings from day one, and the credential of a flagship university. Out-of-state families should compare closely with their home state options, but the fundamentals here are sound—especially for students who value the broader college experience alongside technical training.