What is the starting salary for Computer Science graduates in Austin?

The estimated starting salary for Computer Science graduates in Austin, TX is $90,950 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. The national average starting salary for this major is $85,000. Salaries in Austin are 7% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Computer Science degree worth it in Austin?

A Computer Science degree in Austin has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,187,956 after subtracting education costs. With 30 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,448/year, Austin offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.8% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.1% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Computer Science in Austin?

The average annual public university tuition in Austin is $11,448, while private universities average $31,126/year. Including room and board ($12,563/year), total 4-year costs range from $96,044 at a public school to $174,756 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Austin is $11,991/year.

What jobs can Computer Science graduates get in Austin?

Computer Science graduates in Austin can pursue careers as Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Product Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Programming, Algorithms, Data Structures, Machine Learning. The Austin job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon.

How long to pay off student loans for Computer Science in Austin?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Computer Science graduates in Austin would pay $1,091/month on an estimated $96,044 in loans, with $34,823 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,879/month but save $18,115 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $90,950, monthly payments would represent 14% of gross monthly income.

Computer Science Degree in Austin, TX — Salary & ROI 2026

Computer Science degree analysis for Austin, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$91K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$139K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.8 yrs

in Austin

Cost of Living

107

index (100 = avg)

Computer Science in Austin, TX Overview

Austin is one of Texas's top college towns, with 30 institutions and a student population of 206,177. Public tuition averages $11,448/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Computer Science has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Programming and Algorithms skills. The adjusted starting salary in Austin is approximately $90,950, growing to $139,100 by mid-career.

Computer Science Salary in Austin (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Austin's cost of living index of 107 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$90,950(+$5,950 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$139,100(+$9,100 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$176,550(+$11,550 vs national)

Note: National average Computer Science salary: $85,000 starting, $130,000 mid-career, $165,000 senior level.Austin adjustment factor: 1.07x based on the local cost of living index.

Computer Science ROI Calculator for Austin

Estimate your return on investment for a Computer Science degree using local Austin tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,448 | Private avg: $31,126

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Austin avg aid: $11,991/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$96,044

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$53,500

vs HS diploma in Austin

ROI Payback Period

1.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Austin

$1,187,956

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,284,000) minus total education cost ($96,044)

Student Loan Payoff for Computer Science in Austin

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$96,044

Monthly Payment$1,091

Total Interest$34,823

% of Monthly Income14%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$96,044

Monthly Payment$1,879

Total Interest$16,709

Interest Savings$18,115

Colleges in Austin for Computer Science

University of Texas at Austin

public

$11,448/yr

$45,792 total

St. Edward's University

private

$46,872/yr

$187,488 total

Huston-Tillotson University

private

$15,380/yr

$61,520 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Austin Community College

$2,640/yr

Top Employers for Computer Science in Austin

Austin offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Computer Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

GoogleMicrosoftAmazonAppleMeta

Key Austin Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Computer Science Job Titles

Software EngineerData ScientistProduct Manager

Computer Science in Nearby Texas Cities

Houston, TX

$98K starting · COL 115

90 colleges

San Antonio, TX

$102K starting · COL 120

58 colleges

Dallas, TX

$88K starting · COL 104

82 colleges

Fort Worth, TX

$86K starting · COL 101

19 colleges

El Paso, TX

$79K starting · COL 93

38 colleges

Arlington, TX

$79K starting · COL 93.5

14 colleges

Corpus Christi, TX

$70K starting · COL 82

22 colleges

Plano, TX

$72K starting · COL 85

9 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Austin

Prompt Engineering

$54K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$102K starting · 2 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$94K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$88K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$91K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$86K starting · 3 yr ROI

Robotics Engineering

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Computer Science degree outcomes in Austin, TX: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Computer Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Texas.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Austin using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Computer Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Computer Science career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Computer Science grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Austin Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Texas)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Texas programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "texas higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Computer Science Degree in Austin — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Computer Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Austin.

Computer Science Overview Colleges in Austin All Majors