Computer and Information Sciences at West Chester University of Pennsylvania

The standout figure here is the four-year earnings mark of $93,215—well above both Pennsylvania's $57,260 median and the national benchmark of $61,322 for computer science bachelor's degrees. While first-year estimates based on comparable Pennsylvania programs suggest around $57,000, that substantial jump to over $90,000 by year four indicates strong career progression. At an estimated $27,000 in debt (matching the state median for similar institutions), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests graduates would owe less than half of their starting salary, a manageable position for a technical field with clear upward mobility.

The reality check: this program isn't competing with University of Pennsylvania ($146,000) or elite liberal arts colleges producing six-figure outcomes. But that's comparing apples to oranges given West Chester's 79% admission rate and accessibility to a broader student population. What matters more is that the four-year earnings trajectory shows this program delivers on the promise of computer science degrees—graduates appear to be landing actual technical roles with real advancement potential, not just entry-level positions.

For families watching their budget, West Chester represents a practical path into technology. The estimated debt load is reasonable for the field, and while the ceiling may not be as high as more selective programs, the floor appears solid. The key unknown is individual outcomes—some students may mirror those impressive four-year numbers while others plateau earlier, but the fundamental value proposition holds.