Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania

Penn's computer science program produces exceptional outcomes—$125,000 in median first-year earnings that climbs to $146,000 by year four—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures may not reflect every student's experience. Still, the pattern is clear: graduates enter high-paying roles immediately, with earnings nearly double Pennsylvania's median for CS graduates and 76% above the national benchmark. Only Carnegie Mellon's program in Pennsylvania delivers higher starting salaries, and Penn achieves these results while keeping median debt remarkably low at $13,500, less than half the state average of $27,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.11 means graduates typically earn more than nine times their student debt in their first year alone, making repayment straightforward even for those pursuing expensive graduate degrees or expensive cities. The 18% earnings growth over four years suggests career momentum rather than stagnation, with graduates likely working in competitive tech hubs or elite financial services roles where compensation scales quickly.

The caveat matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, one or two outliers could skew the numbers considerably. But given Penn's 6% admission rate and the strength of its broader alumni network in tech and finance, these outcomes align with what you'd expect from a highly selective program. If your child gains admission and can manage the cost of attendance, the investment pays off quickly.