Computer and Information Sciences at University of Houston

University of Houston's computer science program punches well above its weight. With 70% acceptance and serving a largely working-class population (41% on Pell grants), it produces graduates earning $72,381 straight out of school—ranking in the 80th percentile among Texas programs and 77th nationally. That's a remarkable outcome for an accessible state university, putting graduates ahead of most CS programs in both Texas and the country.

The debt picture makes this especially compelling. At $18,751, graduates borrow about 30% less than the typical Texas CS student and substantially less than the national median. The 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates earn nearly four times what they owe—manageable on any repayment plan. Four-year earnings climb to $92,271, showing strong career trajectory.

For context, only UT Austin and Rice outperform UH significantly in Texas, and both are far more selective (Rice notoriously so, UT Austin increasingly competitive). UH delivers 87% of UT Austin's starting salary with broader accessibility and lower debt. For families seeking a solid return without risking admission to ultra-selective programs or out-of-state tuition at prestigious universities, this represents one of the state's best combinations of value, accessibility, and outcomes in computer science.