Computer Science at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's computer science program produces graduates who start strong and accelerate quickly—first-year earnings of $77,946 jump to $103,513 by year four, a 33% increase that outpaces typical tech salary curves. That initial salary already exceeds the national median by $7,000 and matches Utah's state median, putting this program squarely in the middle tier of the state's competitive computer science landscape. While it trails BYU and University of Utah graduates by about $13,000 initially, the robust earnings growth suggests Utah Valley grads are catching up as they gain experience.

The financial fundamentals work decisively in favor of this program. At $24,725 in median debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32—meaning they owe less than four months of their first-year salary. This is remarkably manageable for a field where starting salaries can quickly handle debt repayment. The debt level sits slightly above Utah's state median of $19,947 but remains well below national averages, and it's a small premium given the solid earning potential.

For parents weighing the return on investment, Utah Valley delivers practical value: competitive tech salaries without the debt burden that plagues many programs. Your child won't be starting at top-tier Google wages, but they'll graduate with marketable skills, manageable debt, and a clear path to six-figure earnings within a few years of entering the workforce.