Computer and Information Sciences at Utah State University

Utah State's computer science program punches well above its weight nationally but sits in the middle of Utah's competitive tech education landscape. With first-year earnings of $71,335—beating three-quarters of similar programs nationwide—graduates start strong and see meaningful growth to nearly $92,000 by year four. The debt load of $18,000 is exceptionally low, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25 that puts most private universities to shame.

The catch is context: Utah has become a tech powerhouse, and this program ranks at the 40th percentile within the state. Western Governors and BYU graduates earn $12,000-$13,000 more in their first year, though the gap narrows over time as USU graduates experience robust 29% earnings growth. For in-state students paying Utah State's lower tuition, this trade-off likely makes sense—you're getting solid tech outcomes without the premium price tag or competitive admissions of BYU.

For out-of-state families, the calculation is trickier. You'd be paying more to attend a program that delivers middle-of-the-pack results for Utah, even if those results still beat most of the country. If your student can gain Utah residency or you're already in-state, this program offers strong value. Otherwise, comparable or better outcomes might be available closer to home for less money.