Computer Science at Carleton College

Carleton's computer science graduates earn $88,000 in their first year—about $15,000 more than Minnesota's median for CS programs and well above the national average. That's impressive performance from a small liberal arts college that often flies under the radar compared to larger tech-focused universities. With under $20,000 in typical debt, graduates face monthly loan payments around $200 while taking home strong tech-industry salaries, making this one of the more favorable financial profiles you'll find in Minnesota higher education.

The earnings trajectory looks particularly solid: graduates see 32% income growth by year four, reaching $116,000. Among Minnesota CS programs, Carleton sits comfortably in the 60th percentile—trailing only U of M Twin Cities and St. Olaf at the top, but outperforming most alternatives. The selective admissions (22% acceptance rate) signal rigorous academics, though the low Pell Grant percentage suggests this environment may skew toward students from higher-income backgrounds.

For families comfortable with Carleton's liberal arts approach and price tag, the CS program delivers genuine tech-career outcomes without the crushing debt loads common at many schools. The combination of strong starting salaries and manageable debt makes this a financially sound choice, even if it doesn't quite match the earnings peak of Minnesota's flagship university.