Analysis
Maryland's computer science programs show a wide earnings spread, from $54,000 to nearly $100,000 first-year, and Morgan State's estimated outcomes land solidly in the middle of this range. Based on comparable computer science programs in the state, graduates here can expect around $72,000 in first-year earnings—right at the national median and competitive with Towson's outcomes, though well below flagship institutions like UMD-College Park.
The estimated debt of roughly $20,000 is actually below both state and national benchmarks for computer science degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that suggests strong payback potential. For a school serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (54%), this combination matters: the program appears positioned to deliver legitimate tech-sector earnings without the debt burden that can delay financial stability. Computer science remains one of the few fields where bachelor's-level credentials consistently command strong starting salaries.
The caveat: these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs, not reported outcomes from Morgan State itself. The actual performance could vary. Still, the fundamentals look sound—computer science degrees generally travel well in the job market, and the estimated debt here is manageable even if earnings come in somewhat lower than projections. This looks like a reasonable pathway to a tech career, particularly for students who might otherwise borrow more at private institutions with less certain employment outcomes.
Where Morgan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,118 | $71,795* | — | $20,170* | — | |
| $11,505 | $99,756* | — | $20,000* | 0.20 | |
| $12,952 | $83,684* | $95,052 | $20,000* | 0.24 | |
| $11,306 | $71,795* | $92,268 | $20,340* | 0.28 | |
| $55,480 | $61,017* | — | $27,000* | 0.44 | |
| $9,998 | $54,349* | — | $21,500* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Morgan State University, approximately 54% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.