Computer and Information Sciences at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's computer science program sits slightly below the national median but performs notably better than most North Carolina schools—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide at $60,639 starting salary. This matters because many students will compare against in-state options, where the state median is just $54,096. The debt load of $22,153 is relatively manageable, translating to a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that won't overwhelm entry-level tech salaries.

The caveat? Several NC schools deliver substantially higher outcomes—NC Central and East Carolina graduates earn $14,000-$9,000 more right out of the gate, though those programs may have different admission profiles or specializations. Still, Charlotte's 80% admission rate and solid outcomes create a reasonable middle ground for students who need accessible entry into tech careers without crushing debt.

The practical takeaway: this program delivers safe, middle-of-the-pack results for North Carolina. Your child will likely secure decent tech employment with manageable debt, but they're not getting the premium outcomes that the state's top programs provide. For a student who needs admission flexibility and wants to stay in the Charlotte metro area—a growing tech hub—this makes sense. For a stronger student, it's worth applying to NC Central or East Carolina to see if those higher-earning pathways are accessible.