Computer Science at Mount Holyoke College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Mount Holyoke's computer science graduates start at $71,672—fine nationally but notably behind Massachusetts peers. The 25th percentile state ranking reveals the challenge: in a state where the median CS graduate earns $86,060, Mount Holyoke lags by over $14,000. While it can't match MIT's $154,492 or even fellow liberal arts colleges like Williams ($110,814) or Amherst ($100,596), the real question is whether Mount Holyoke's distinctive environment—a women's college with strong academic credentials—justifies accepting below-market Massachusetts compensation.
The modest $21,500 debt load offers some reassurance, creating a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio that students can handle. This isn't a debt crisis situation. But the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means one or two outlier careers could significantly skew these numbers in either direction, making this snapshot less reliable than data from larger programs.
For families considering Mount Holyoke specifically for its mission and community, computer science remains financially viable—the debt is reasonable and starting salaries are solid by national standards. However, if you're comparing purely on CS outcomes within Massachusetts, acknowledge you're likely trading some earning potential for the college's other qualities. That might be worth it, but go in with eyes open about the financial trade-off.
Where Mount Holyoke College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Mount Holyoke College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Mount Holyoke College graduates earn $72k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Holyoke College | $71,672 | — | $21,500 | 0.30 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $154,492 | $199,774 | $12,000 | 0.08 |
| Harvard University | $152,251 | $256,539 | — | — |
| Williams College | $110,814 | $119,517 | $12,208 | 0.11 |
| Tufts University | $105,659 | $139,886 | $15,500 | 0.15 |
| Amherst College | $100,596 | — | $16,750 | 0.17 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge | $60,156 | $154,492 | $12,000 |
| Harvard University Cambridge | $59,076 | $152,251 | — |
| Williams College Williamstown | $64,860 | $110,814 | $12,208 |
| Tufts University Medford | $67,844 | $105,659 | $15,500 |
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $100,596 | $16,750 |
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 Mount Holyoke College, approximately 20% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.