Computer Science at Hampshire College

Computer science programs in Massachusetts command some of the highest starting salaries in the country, and Hampshire's estimated outcomes align closely with the state median—around $86,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $22,000 in debt. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable financial pressure, assuming these estimates hold true for Hampshire's actual graduates.

The challenge is context. While Hampshire appears to track with typical Massachusetts CS programs, the state's top-tier schools—MIT, Harvard, Williams—produce graduates earning $100,000 to $150,000 right out of college. Hampshire's 70% admission rate and alternative curriculum (no traditional grades or majors) create a different educational experience, but parents need to weigh whether that's worth potentially leaving $20,000 to $70,000 in first-year earnings on the table compared to more selective Massachusetts programs.

The financial fundamentals look solid if the estimates prove accurate: low debt, strong earnings relative to the national CS median of $71,000. But Hampshire's small program size (which triggers the data suppression) means you're investing based on peer program performance rather than verified outcomes. If your student thrives in Hampshire's self-directed learning model and the estimated numbers materialize, this works. If they don't—or if Hampshire's unique approach doesn't translate to employer demand—the gamble becomes costlier.