Computer Science at Bridgewater State University

Massachusetts is home to some of the nation's strongest computer science programs, but Bridgewater State graduates start nearly $30,000 behind the state median—earning $57,007 compared to $86,060 across MA programs. This puts the program in just the 10th percentile statewide, a significant gap given that many CS graduates compete for the same entry-level positions regardless of their alma mater. The $27,000 in debt isn't unusually high, but when paired with below-market starting salaries, it creates a longer payoff period than most Massachusetts families might expect from a CS degree.

The 35% earnings growth to $76,894 by year four shows graduates do gain ground, though they're still trailing both state and national benchmarks at that point. For a family choosing between in-state options, this matters: the typical Massachusetts CS graduate starts $29,000 ahead, which compounds significantly over a career. Bridgewater's open admission policy (89% acceptance) and strong Pell grant enrollment (30%) suggest it serves students who might not access elite programs, which adds important context to these numbers.

If your child has options at higher-ranked Massachusetts publics like UMass Amherst, those would likely offer better immediate earning potential. But if Bridgewater represents an accessible path to a CS degree that would otherwise be out of reach, the solid earnings growth and manageable debt make it workable—just understand you're starting from behind the state pack.