Computer Programming at Curry College

Is a $31,000 debt load reasonable for a computer programming degree that starts at $50,000? Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationwide, this is the question facing families considering Curry College's program. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 falls in the manageable range—peer programs suggest graduates could theoretically pay off their loans within a few years if they prioritize it—but there's significant variability in computer programming outcomes that this estimate can't capture.

The challenge is that Curry is the only school in Massachusetts with a standalone bachelor's in computer programming tracked by the DOE, leaving no local benchmarks for comparison. Nationally, the top quartile of similar programs produce first-year earnings around $72,000, nearly 45% higher than the typical $50,000 starting point. Given Curry's open admission profile and modest test scores, it's worth questioning whether graduates will land closer to the national median or struggle to compete with candidates from more selective tech-focused schools.

The practical reality: computer programming careers often care more about demonstrable skills than pedigree, which could work in graduates' favor. But you're betting $31,000 on a program with no track record of published outcomes. Request placement data directly from Curry—where do their programming graduates actually work, and what do they earn? Without that confirmation, you're making this decision largely on faith.