Computer Programming at Carnegie Mellon University

This is one of those frustrating cases where the numbers tell you almost nothing about the actual program. Carnegie Mellon, widely regarded as having one of the world's premier computer science and technology programs, shows estimated first-year earnings of just $50,242—a figure derived from national medians that includes far less selective schools. For a university where the average SAT is 1545 and admission rate is 11%, these estimates are almost certainly understating reality by a significant margin. Tech companies routinely recruit Carnegie Mellon graduates into six-figure starting positions.

The estimated debt of $31,050 is more plausible and actually reasonable given the university's relatively generous financial aid (though with only 15% receiving Pell grants, this skews affluent). A 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio would normally look manageable, but again, that's only meaningful if the earnings figure were accurate. The real question for parents is whether their family qualifies for need-based aid—Carnegie Mellon meets full demonstrated need—or whether they'll be paying close to the $80,000+ annual cost out of pocket.

The bottom line: these suppressed figures hide what is likely an exceptional return on investment for those who can afford it or qualify for substantial aid. If you're full-pay without aid, the value equation changes significantly. Request the school's actual placement data directly—they track it closely and it will paint a far more accurate picture than these national stand-ins.