Computer and Information Sciences at Macalester College

Macalester's computer science graduates earn substantially more than the national median—$81,964 versus $61,322—while carrying about 17% less debt than typical CS majors. That 95th percentile national ranking reflects genuinely strong outcomes, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 suggests graduates can manage their loans comfortably, with first-year salaries covering debt roughly four times over.

The Minnesota context adds an interesting wrinkle. At the 60th percentile statewide, Macalester sits solidly in the middle among Minnesota CS programs—behind Walden and Capella, but ahead of most traditional colleges. Given Macalester's selective admissions (28% acceptance rate, 1424 average SAT), some families might expect outcomes closer to the top of the state rankings. However, the strong earnings growth trajectory (27% increase by year four) and significantly lower debt load compared to state averages ($20,829 versus $25,556) strengthen the value proposition.

For families comfortable with Macalester's liberal arts approach and private school price tag, the outcomes justify the investment—graduates are clearing six figures within four years while managing reasonable debt. Just remember these numbers reflect a very small cohort, so they're directionally helpful but not definitive.