Analysis
Keene State's computer science program lands graduates in their first job earning nearly $20,000 less than the typical New Hampshire tech graduate—and about $13,000 below the national median. Among the state's eight programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable NH programs deliver better starting outcomes. The debt load of $26,798 sits right at state and national averages, but when paired with below-average starting salaries, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 is workable rather than impressive.
The 51% earnings jump by year four offers some reassurance—graduates reach $72,272, suggesting real career progression in tech roles. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. Compare this to University of New Hampshire graduates starting at $75,000 or even Plymouth State at $65,516, and the gap is hard to ignore.
For a family choosing between New Hampshire programs, this one trails its in-state competition meaningfully. If your child has admission offers from UNH or Plymouth State, those programs show stronger economic outcomes from day one. Keene State might make sense if it's substantially cheaper after aid or if your student has specific reasons to be in Keene, but from a pure earnings standpoint, this program underperforms both state and national peers.
Where Keene State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Keene State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keene State College | $48,003 | $72,272 | +51% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $146,204 | $246,946 | +69% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $75,156 | $95,839 | +28% |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $75,156 | $95,839 | +28% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $61,322 | $68,432 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (8 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,710 | $48,003 | $72,272 | $26,798 | 0.56 | |
| $19,112 | $75,156 | $95,839 | $27,000 | 0.36 | |
| $15,820 | $75,156 | $95,839 | $27,000 | 0.36 | |
| $14,558 | $65,516 | — | — | — | |
| $16,450 | $61,322 | $68,432 | $36,709 | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Keene State College, approximately 24% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.