Analysis
Vanderbilt's computer science program places graduates in an entirely different earnings tier than other Tennessee options. While UT-Knoxville—the state's flagship—sees graduates earning $70,193 initially, Vanderbilt CS majors start at $122,244, nearly 75% higher. This isn't just a Tennessee story: the program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, with first-year earnings that exceed even the national 75th percentile by more than $40,000. The earnings trajectory is equally impressive, reaching $164,139 by year four.
The financial structure makes this accessible despite the elite admission profile. At $14,500 in median debt—less than the state median of $23,086—students face a debt burden equivalent to just one month of their starting salary. For context, most computer science programs carry debt-to-earnings ratios above 0.30; Vanderbilt's 0.12 ratio is exceptional. Yes, only 19% of students receive Pell grants, but those who gain admission have access to aid packages that keep debt remarkably low.
For families who can navigate the 6% admission rate, this program delivers arguably the strongest return on investment for computer science in the region. The premium over in-state alternatives is substantial and sustained throughout the career trajectory measured here.
Where Vanderbilt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Vanderbilt University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | $122,244 | $164,139 | +34% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $70,193 | $90,584 | +29% |
| Tennessee Technological University | $63,180 | $78,615 | +24% |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | $59,567 | $77,869 | +31% |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $57,653 | $76,044 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $122,244 | $164,139 | $14,500 | 0.12 |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $70,193 | $90,584 | $16,750 | 0.24 |
 Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville | $10,084 | $63,180 | $78,615 | $18,605 | 0.29 |
 Rhodes CollegeMemphis | $54,892 | $60,225 | — | $25,982 | 0.43 |
 The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga | $10,144 | $59,567 | $77,869 | $25,125 | 0.42 |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $57,653 | $76,044 | $21,500 | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Vanderbilt University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 56 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.