Computer and Information Sciences at University of Pennsylvania

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.