Analysis
Penn's computer science program produces numbers that stand apart even among elite institutions. Graduates earn $146,204 in their first year—more than double Pennsylvania's median for CS programs and 2.4 times the national benchmark. That advantage expands over time: by year four, median earnings reach nearly $247,000, a 69% jump that reflects graduates moving into senior technical roles or founding ventures. With just $15,000 in typical debt, the financial equation here is about as favorable as you'll find in higher education.
The 6% admission rate tells you what you already suspect: getting in is the challenge, not paying it back. Among Pennsylvania's 62 computer science programs, this ranks at the 95th percentile for earnings—outpacing even Swarthmore by more than $40,000. The school's average SAT of 1545 and strong industry connections (particularly in nearby New York finance and tech) help explain why employers pay these premiums.
The practical reality: if your child can gain admission and handle the academic rigor, the debt burden represents less than 3% of typical first-year earnings. That's manageable on virtually any repayment plan. For computer science specifically, Penn delivers both the prestige and the pipeline to top-tier opportunities that justify its selectivity.
Where University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | $146,204 | $246,946 | +69% |
| Swarthmore College | $103,686 | $157,852 | +52% |
| Lehigh University | $83,356 | $94,982 | +14% |
| Temple University | $73,393 | $90,875 | +24% |
| Villanova University | $83,455 | $89,645 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (62 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $146,204 | $246,946 | $15,000 | 0.10 |
 Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore | $62,412 | $103,686 | $157,852 | — | — |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $83,455 | $89,645 | $26,225 | 0.31 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $83,356 | $94,982 | $24,019 | 0.29 |
 Wilkes UniversityWilkes-Barre | $42,286 | $83,041 | — | — | — |
 Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg | $13,544 | $74,598 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Pennsylvania, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 46 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.