Compare 12 Computer Science. programs in Texas. Average earnings: $76,928.
The highest-earning Computer Science program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $71K earnings gap across 12 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Southern Methodist University's Computer Science program leads with graduates earning $106,128, well above the $77K state average. But West Texas A&M proves the point at #2 with $98,049 earnings and a 97% acceptance rate—demonstrating that accessible programs can deliver elite outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. SMU graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 3.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, West Texas A&M leads with a 6.2% total burden, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $106,128
Strong outcomes ($98,049) with 97% acceptance
3.2% payment burden | Excellent
6.2% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $106,128 | 50 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Good | |
| #2 | $98,049 | 14 | $19,500 | Excellent | $12,719 | Excellent | |
| #3 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | $94,244 | 47 | $23,000 | Excellent | $50,786 | Manageable |
| #4 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $92,305 | 232 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Good |
| #5 | $89,635 | 142 | $17,527 | Excellent | $12,313 | Excellent | |
| #6 | $86,084 | 257 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Good | |
| #7 | Saint Edward's UniversityPrivate | $76,093 | 35 | $24,803 | Excellent | $28,135 | Manageable |
| #8 | $70,128 | 104 | $12,950 | Excellent | $8,107 | Excellent | |
| #9 | $64,327 | 41 | $17,831 | Excellent | $14,731 | Good | |
| #10 | $55,964 | 9 | $26,000 | Good | $34,374 | High | |
| #11 | Concordia University TexasPrivate | $54,713 | 13 | $21,852 | Good | $25,137 | Challenging |
| #12 | Austin CollegePrivate | $35,462 | 17 | $24,500 | High | $30,413 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
