Analysis
Comparable computer science programs in Maryland point to a decent financial return, with estimated first-year earnings around $72,000 and debt near $20,000—producing a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28. These figures align with both state and national medians for the field, suggesting Coppin's program likely delivers mainstream outcomes rather than the standout results seen at Maryland-College Park or Baltimore County.
What's worth noting is the school's mission context: over half of Coppin's students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves many first-generation and lower-income students for whom a computer science degree could be particularly transformative. The estimated debt load is manageable—less than three months of first-year salary based on peer programs—which matters enormously for students who may have limited family financial safety nets.
The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here since Coppin's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. While peer programs in Maryland suggest solid results, your child would be placing faith in a program without verified track record data. If choosing Coppin, dig into specifics: internship placement rates, recruiting relationships with local tech employers, and whether the curriculum aligns with current industry needs. The financial fundamentals look reasonable based on similar programs, but you'll need other evidence to confirm this particular program delivers.
Where Coppin State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,001 | $71,795* | — | $20,170* | — | |
| $11,505 | $99,756* | — | $20,000* | 0.20 | |
| $12,952 | $83,684* | $95,052 | $20,000* | 0.24 | |
| $11,306 | $71,795* | $92,268 | $20,340* | 0.28 | |
| $55,480 | $61,017* | — | $27,000* | 0.44 | |
| $9,998 | $54,349* | — | $21,500* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Coppin State University, approximately 53% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.