Computer and Information Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon's legendary computer science reputation makes these estimated figures—$57,261 in first-year earnings based on Pennsylvania peer programs—surprisingly underwhelming and frankly implausible. This is one of the most selective tech programs in America (11% admission rate, 1545 average SAT), yet the state median suggests outcomes similar to less competitive Pennsylvania schools. The reality almost certainly differs substantially: comparable elite institutions like Penn and Swarthmore report CS graduates earning $146,000 and $104,000 respectively in their first year, and CMU's tech industry placement track record suggests similar trajectories.

The $27,000 estimated debt based on Pennsylvania private institutions is more credible and actually manageable for this field. Even using the conservative earnings estimate, the 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable. But given CMU's Silicon Valley pipeline and FAANG recruiting presence, actual graduates likely face debt loads that represent just a few months of starting salary rather than half a year's pay.

The data suppression here isn't a red flag—it's common at elite schools with small graduating cohorts in specific programs. For CMU computer science specifically, you're looking at a program where the institutional reputation and alumni network matter far more than what Pennsylvania's average CS program produces. The conservative state estimates shouldn't deter you; they simply don't capture what makes this particular program exceptional.