Compare 91 Computer Science. programs in the South. Average earnings: $77,371.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Computer Science tells a different story. Across 91 programs in the South, earnings range from $90,983 to $164,139—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Vanderbilt's Computer Science program leads with graduates earning $164,139, followed closely by Duke at $159,845. The regional average sits at $77,371, but these top performers demonstrate that program-level excellence drives outcomes more than institutional brand recognition.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Duke graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 1.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, proving top programs can also be affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $164,139 | 147 | $14,000 | Excellent | $30,844 | Excellent |
| #2 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $159,845 | 339 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Excellent |
| #3 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $133,212 | 69 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Excellent |
| #4 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $126,103 | 52 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Excellent |
| #5 | Wake Forest UniversityPrivate | $114,622 | 45 | $21,500 | Excellent | $30,000 | Good |
| #6 | $107,225 | 379 | $14,000 | Excellent | $25,072 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $106,128 | 50 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Good | |
| #8 | William & MaryPublic | $104,938 | 73 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Good |
| #9 | $99,756 | 746 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Good | |
| #10 | $99,645 | 96 | $20,654 | Excellent | $31,890 | Good | |
| #11 | $98,925 | 232 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Good | |
| #12 | $98,049 | 14 | $19,500 | Excellent | $12,719 | Excellent | |
| #13 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $97,310 | 19 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Good |
| #14 | $96,310 | 25 | $27,000 | Excellent | $29,276 | Good | |
| #15 | $95,052 | 249 | $19,500 | Excellent | $26,987 | Good | |
| #16 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | $94,244 | 47 | $23,000 | Excellent | $50,786 | Manageable |
| #17 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $92,305 | 232 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Good |
| #18 | Towson UniversityPublic | $92,268 | 138 | $18,718 | Excellent | $28,489 | Good |
| #19 | $91,744 | 17 | $19,500 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $90,983 | 61 | $22,858 | Excellent | $14,638 | Excellent | |
| #21 | $90,828 | 46 | $20,500 | Excellent | $33,574 | Good | |
| #22 | $90,584 | 92 | $20,500 | Excellent | $30,610 | Good | |
| #23 | Georgia State UniversityPublic | $90,238 | 260 | $20,903 | Excellent | $14,837 | Excellent |
| #24 | $89,635 | 142 | $17,527 | Excellent | $12,313 | Excellent | |
| #25 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $88,172 | 268 | $18,500 | Excellent | $20,855 | Good |
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 →
