Computer and Information Sciences at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State's computer science program produces first-year earnings of nearly $65,000—roughly $6,000 above the national average but notably below West Virginia's state median. This 40th percentile state ranking is significant: despite computer science being a high-demand field, this program trails most West Virginia competitors, including West Virginia University and American Public University System, which both place graduates earning several thousand dollars more.

The $24,500 in typical debt translates to a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means graduates earn about $2.65 for every dollar borrowed—a manageable position for starting a tech career. The low debt burden partially offsets the below-median state earnings, though the gap to top state programs widens over time. With a 99% admission rate and below-average test scores, Fairmont State serves as an access point for students who might not gain entry elsewhere, which adds value beyond the pure financial metrics.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers potentially unstable year-to-year. For an anxious parent, this means the program could work fine if your child needs a local, accessible option and plans to stay in West Virginia. But if they can gain admission to WVU or secure affordable access to higher-ranked alternatives, those programs show stronger earning trajectories in the state's tech market.