Computer Science at Brandeis University

Brandeis delivers strong Computer Science outcomes with one interesting wrinkle: graduates here outperform 74% of CS programs nationwide but fall below the median for Massachusetts. That's less about Brandeis underperforming and more about how competitive the state's tech ecosystem is—with MIT and Harvard skewing the market, even solid $80,000 starting salaries land below the state median of $86,000.

The trajectory matters more than the starting point. Earnings jump 44% by year four, reaching $116,000, which suggests graduates are successfully moving into mid-level roles at good companies. The debt picture is reasonable at $26,000—roughly one-third of first-year earnings and only slightly above national mediums. This isn't the bargain you'd find at UMass Amherst, but it's manageable debt for a competitive private university.

For families considering Brandeis against state schools or comparable private universities, the value proposition is clear: you're paying for a selective environment (35% admission rate, 1473 average SAT) that produces reliably strong CS graduates, even if they're not commanding the premium salaries of MIT or Harvard alumni. If your child wants smaller classes and strong career services within Boston's tech corridor, this program delivers solid returns without excessive debt burden.