Computer and Information Sciences at Marshall University

Marshall University's computer science graduates start at $52,047, which places them surprisingly low—in the bottom quarter of both national and West Virginia programs. This matters because West Virginia's median for this degree is already $65,223, meaning Marshall's grads are earning $13,000 less per year than typical in-state alternatives like West Virginia University or Fairmont State. Even accounting for Marshall's open-access mission (96% admission rate), this gap is substantial for a field where employers typically prioritize skills over institutional prestige.

The debt load of $28,375 translates to a manageable 0.55 ratio against first-year earnings, which is reasonable by national standards. However, the concerning piece is the opportunity cost: your child could attend WVU or Fairmont State and likely graduate with similar debt but $13,000 more in annual earning power. Over a decade, that difference compounds to well over $100,000 before accounting for raises and promotions.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, but the pattern of underperformance relative to state peers is worth investigating. Before committing, talk to the department about job placement specifics and consider whether Marshall offers unique advantages—like location preference or specific support services—that justify accepting lower starting earnings in a high-demand field.