Computer and Information Sciences at University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno's computer science program produces starting salaries nearly $8,400 below the national median for this major, placing graduates in just the 28th percentile nationally. While it slightly outperforms the state median, that's a low bar—there are only two programs in Nevada, and University of Phoenix actually delivers higher earnings. The $52,970 starting salary is respectable in absolute terms, but computer science majors typically command premium wages, and these graduates are falling well short of what the degree usually delivers.

The program does offer one significant advantage: relatively manageable debt. At $20,500, graduates owe about $10,000 less than typical Nevada computer science students and $4,500 less than the national average. This makes the debt-to-earnings ratio (0.39) quite reasonable, meaning graduates can likely handle their loans comfortably even with below-average salaries. Earnings also show healthy growth to $61,782 by year four, suggesting the career trajectory improves over time.

For Nevada families seeking an affordable path into tech, this program won't create a debt crisis. But parents should understand their student will likely start behind peers from stronger programs—a gap that matters in a competitive field where early career opportunities often set the trajectory for years to come. The value here is decent, not exceptional.