Computer and Information Sciences at University of West Florida

University of West Florida's computer science program starts behind the curve but makes up significant ground over time. Graduates begin at $45,733—well below Florida's median of $57,000 and in just the 25th percentile among Florida tech programs. That's a concerning $12,000 gap compared to what you'd see at schools like UCF or Florida State. However, the trajectory improves dramatically: by year four, earnings jump 39% to $63,429, closing much of that gap and surpassing the national median.

The debt picture provides some reassurance. At $19,385, it's actually lower than both the state and national medians for computer science programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42. That means graduates can realistically pay this off even during those leaner early years. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) makes this data reasonably reliable, though not as robust as what you'd see from larger programs.

Here's the practical reality: this program likely appeals most to students prioritizing in-state tuition and lower debt over maximum starting salary. If your child can get into UF or UCF—where graduates start $22,000 higher—that's probably worth the extra tuition costs. But for students who need a regional, affordable option and can stomach 2-3 years of below-market earnings, UWF delivers respectable outcomes by mid-career. Just ensure your child understands they'll be playing catch-up early in their career compared to peers from Florida's flagship programs.