Computer and Information Sciences at Merrimack College

Based on comparable computer science programs in Massachusetts, this degree appears to position graduates near the state median, with estimated first-year earnings around $72,000 against roughly $23,000 in debt. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—about a third of first-year income—which compares favorably to many bachelor's programs. However, understand that these figures come from peer programs across Massachusetts, not Merrimack's actual graduate outcomes, which the DOE doesn't publish due to small sample sizes.

The estimate puts Merrimack alongside mid-tier state programs but well below what graduates from Northeastern ($116,000) or even UMass-Dartmouth ($78,000) reportedly earn. Whether that gap reflects program quality, employer networks, or student selectivity is impossible to determine from estimates alone. The relatively low debt figure—if accurate for Merrimack—does provide some cushion, meaning graduates wouldn't face excessive financial pressure even if actual earnings fall short of the state median.

For families considering this investment, the uncertainty cuts both ways: Merrimack could be training graduates who match or exceed these peer-program benchmarks, or it could lag behind. The 74% admission rate and limited Pell enrollment suggest a traditional private college drawing middle-class students, but without actual outcomes data, you're essentially betting on Merrimack's ability to deliver results comparable to other Massachusetts computer science programs. If affordability matters and you want verification, target schools with published data.