Computer Science at Merrimack College

A computer science degree from Merrimack puts graduates in the middle of the national pack at $70,256, but that position looks weaker when you consider the Massachusetts market. The state median for CS bachelor's programs is $86,060—nearly $16,000 higher—meaning Merrimack graduates start roughly 18% behind their peers across Massachusetts. While the estimated debt of $22,375 (based on similar programs at the school) produces a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, the real concern is earning potential in a state where tech salaries typically run much higher.

The gap becomes stark when you look at comparable Massachusetts programs. MIT and Harvard CS graduates start above $150,000, but even schools like Williams and Amherst—liberal arts colleges without engineering powerhouses—place their CS graduates at $100,000+. Merrimack's relatively high 74% admission rate suggests it's accessible, but that accessibility hasn't translated to competitive outcomes in Massachusetts' tech-heavy economy.

Your child would graduate with reasonable debt and land solidly in the middle nationally, but they'd be starting their career at a significant disadvantage compared to other Massachusetts CS graduates. If staying in Massachusetts is the plan, that earnings gap matters for everything from first apartments to loan payoff timelines. The core question: is there a comparable program elsewhere—perhaps in a less expensive state with a different tech market—where outcomes align better with what you're paying?