Computer and Information Sciences at Colorado College

Colorado College's computer science program appears positioned right in the middle of the state's tech landscape. Based on comparable programs in Colorado, graduates typically earn around $71,574 in their first year—matching the state median but falling short of what larger public institutions like Colorado State and CU Denver report for their tech graduates. With estimated debt of $25,860, that creates a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of first-year income.

The real question is whether Colorado College's liberal arts approach to computer science delivers competitive value in a field increasingly dominated by career-focused programs at research universities. Similar programs in Colorado at schools like CSU Fort Collins produce first-year earnings 10% higher, and those programs likely offer more traditional CS curricula with deeper technical specialization. Colorado College's block plan—studying one intensive course at a time—creates a distinctive learning environment, but tech employers typically care more about skills and internships than pedagogical innovation.

For families paying private school tuition at a highly selective institution (20% admission rate, 1445 average SAT), the estimated debt figure suggests strong financial aid—you'd expect higher borrowing at a school of this caliber. If your child thrives in small, discussion-based classes and wants a broader education alongside their CS degree, this could work. But if maximizing tech career outcomes is the priority, Colorado's public universities appear to be delivering stronger early earnings at likely lower total cost.