Computer and Information Sciences at University of Houston-Victoria

University of Houston-Victoria's computer science program shows surprisingly strong earnings momentum despite modest starting salaries. While graduates begin at $52,251—below both the Texas median ($55,172) and national average ($61,322)—they see exceptional 50% income growth within four years, reaching $78,263. That four-year mark puts them ahead of the state median and positions them to potentially catch up to stronger programs over time.

The standout feature here is the debt load: at just $20,671, it's 13% below the state average and well below the national median. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, making early career financial stability much more attainable than at pricier alternatives. For context, this is less than a third of what UT Austin graduates typically owe, even though Austin grads start at $111,587.

The major caveat is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. This program serves a largely regional, first-generation student population (44% receive Pell grants), and the trajectory suggests it's successfully launching students into tech careers without burdensome debt. If your child values staying close to home and graduating with minimal financial stress, this represents solid value despite the slower start compared to flagship programs.