Computer Systems Analysis: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Computer Systems Analysis graduates earn a median $78,929 four years after finishing — $30,569/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. At a typical $16,906/yr net price ($67,624 over four years), that pays back in about 2.2 years. Federal data pools 45 bachelor's programs graduating roughly 870 students a year. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas Christian University | TX | $121,734 |
| 2 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | MN | $104,839 |
| 3 | Lindenwood University | MO | $98,053 |
| 4 | Northern Arizona University | AZ | $97,511 |
| 5 | California State University-San Marcos | CA | $93,047 |
| 6 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | AZ | $91,484 |
| 7 | University of Houston | TX | $82,416 |
| 8 | Kent State University at Kent | OH | $79,317 |
| 9 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | WI | $76,951 |
| 10 | Austin Peay State University | TN | $76,824 |
| 11 | Saginaw Valley State University | MI | $72,888 |
| 12 | University of North Dakota | ND | $72,006 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.