Analysis
Computer science programs in Louisiana show a $30,000 spread in first-year earnings, and Xavier appears to land in the middle of the pack. While comparable programs in the state suggest around $60,500 in earnings, that's roughly $10,000 below the national median for this degreeβa gap that reflects Louisiana's generally lower tech salaries rather than anything specific about Xavier's program quality.
The estimated $25,000 in debt sits right at the national median for computer science bachelor's degrees, producing a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio. Given that Xavier serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (52% of students), this relatively contained debt load is meaningful. Similar programs typically allow graduates to clear their loans within a few years, assuming they stay in the field.
The real consideration here is geographic: staying in New Orleans versus relocating for higher salaries. Tech hubs pay significantly moreβTulane grads in Louisiana average $90,000, suggesting New Orleans has some higher-paying opportunities, but most tech money sits elsewhere. If your child plans to launch their career in Louisiana and values Xavier's supportive environment for underrepresented students in tech, the numbers work. If they're willing to move for their first job, those peer program earnings could climb considerably, making the debt even easier to manage.
Where Xavier University of Louisiana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,868 | $60,487* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $65,538 | $90,828* | β | $19,000* | 0.21 | |
| $9,172 | $69,204* | $77,985 | $16,604* | 0.24 | |
| $10,125 | $68,023* | β | $22,875* | 0.34 | |
| $10,418 | $62,452* | $74,787 | $23,000* | 0.37 | |
| $9,190 | $60,714* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $70,950* | β | $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 Xavier University of Louisiana, approximately 52% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.