Computer Science at University of Miami

University of Miami's computer science program costs less than you'd expect from a highly selective private university—graduates leave with just $18,830 in median debt, roughly $7,000 below the Florida average. That's impressive given the school's 19% admission rate and strong academic profile. First-year earnings of $76,877 put graduates above both state and national medians, though not dramatically so considering the premium tuition Miami commands.

Here's the tension: while the debt burden is manageable (representing just three months of first-year salary), the program ranks around the 60th percentile among Florida CS programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a state with 19 competing programs. Graduates from Florida Tech earn slightly less initially, while programs like Full Sail lag significantly behind. The modest 6% earnings growth to year four suggests Miami grads are entering stable roles rather than the accelerated trajectories seen at some tech-focused schools.

For families paying out-of-state tuition or borrowing heavily beyond federal loans, this presents a calculation problem. If your child qualifies for substantial financial aid—bringing total debt close to that $18,830 median—Miami delivers solid CS outcomes with the added benefits of a well-rounded university experience. But if the true cost approaches six figures in debt, the earnings advantage over Florida's public universities becomes harder to justify.