Computer Science at Harvey Mudd College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Harvey Mudd graduates enter the workforce earning nearly double the national median for computer science majors, with first-year salaries of $132,265 that climb to $183,524 by year four. This places the program in the 95th percentile both nationally and within California—a remarkable position given that the state is home to Stanford, Berkeley, and Caltech. The debt burden of $22,949 is thoroughly manageable at just 17% of first-year earnings, meaning typical graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about two months.
The 39% earnings growth over four years reflects graduates moving into senior engineering roles at top tech companies, where Harvey Mudd's rigorous curriculum and elite reputation carry substantial weight. While the school's 13% admission rate and 1537 average SAT suggest this path isn't accessible to everyone, the outcomes justify the selectivity. The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the consistency of Harvey Mudd's placement record makes these figures reliable.
For families who can navigate the admissions process, this represents one of the strongest computer science investments available. The combination of minimal debt and top-tier earnings essentially eliminates financial risk while positioning graduates among the highest-paid in their field from day one.
Where Harvey Mudd College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Harvey Mudd College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Harvey Mudd College graduates earn $132k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | $132,265 | $183,524 | $22,949 | 0.17 |
| California Institute of Technology | $173,344 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $149,866 | $178,867 | $13,900 | 0.09 |
| Pomona College | $143,084 | — | — | — |
| Stanford University | $138,613 | $200,950 | $10,399 | 0.08 |
| University of Southern California | $137,284 | $143,152 | $20,178 | 0.15 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology Pasadena | $63,255 | $173,344 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $149,866 | $13,900 |
| Pomona College Claremont | $62,326 | $143,084 | — |
| Stanford University Stanford | $62,484 | $138,613 | $10,399 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $137,284 | $20,178 |
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 Harvey Mudd College, approximately 14% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.