Computer Science at University of Virginia's College at Wise

Computer science programs in Virginia typically produce first-year earnings around $72,000, and that's exactly what peer programs suggest UVA-Wise graduates might expect—right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark. Combined with an estimated $24,000 in debt (below both state and national medians), the program offers a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates would earn roughly three times their total debt in their first year.

What makes this worth noting is the accessibility factor. UVA-Wise maintains a 94% admission rate and serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (33%), making this a viable entry point into tech for students who might not gain admission to the state's flagship programs. While William & Mary and George Mason grads start nearly $13,000 higher based on reported data, that difference may matter less if those doors aren't open to your child.

The real question is whether UVA-Wise can deliver similar outcomes to the state median it's being compared against. The school's open admission and lower test scores don't disqualify it—tech hiring often prioritizes skills over pedigree—but you'll want to investigate placement rates, internship connections, and whether the curriculum adequately prepares students for technical interviews. If your child is self-motivated and the campus culture supports computer science students, this could be a practical path into a high-demand field without crushing debt.