Computer Science at Marywood University

A debt load of roughly $27,000 for a computer science degree sits right at Pennsylvania's median for similar programs, though the small graduate cohort here means we're working with estimates drawn from peer institutions across the state. That's a manageable burden when paired with projected first-year earnings around $67,000—yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 that suggests graduates could realistically pay down their loans within four years if they prioritize it.

The catch? Pennsylvania's computer science landscape varies wildly. While peer programs in the state typically produce that $67,000 starting salary, the top-tier schools—Carnegie Mellon, Penn, even Drexel—launch graduates into six-figure territories or close to it. Marywood's 84% admission rate and moderate SAT scores position it as an accessible entry point rather than a competitive powerhouse. For students who need that accessibility and can secure scholarships to reduce that median debt figure, the fundamentals work. But families should recognize they're likely trading elite networking and recruitment pipelines for a regional degree at a price point that, while reasonable, doesn't offer the standout value of some state alternatives.

The upside: computer science skills travel well, and motivated graduates can build strong careers regardless of school prestige. Just ensure your child understands they'll need to hustle independently for internships and connections—this program won't hand them the same corporate pipelines as Pennsylvania's research universities.