Analysis
Computer science programs in New York show enormous variation in outcomes, with top performers like Cornell and Barnard launching graduates into six-figure starting salaries while others cluster around the state median. Based on comparable programs across New York, Mount Saint Mary College graduates would likely earn around $63,000 in their first yearβsolidly in the middle of the pack for computer science bachelor's degrees statewide and nationally. That's a reasonable starting point for a technical field, though it falls well short of what elite tech programs produce.
The estimated debt load of roughly $27,000 creates a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. This aligns closely with state and national norms for computer science programs, suggesting Mount Saint Mary College isn't an outlier on affordability. For a private college serving a substantial portion of Pell-eligible students, keeping debt near the sector average is worth noting.
The real uncertainty here is whether Mount Saint Mary College's specific program delivers on par with these peer institutions. Computer science outcomes depend heavily on curriculum rigor, employer connections, and the strength of alumni networksβfactors that don't show up in estimated data. If your child is strongly committed to tech and can secure similar financial aid elsewhere, programs with proven track records might justify comparison shopping.
Where Mount Saint Mary College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (68 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,370 | $62,592* | β | $26,955* | β | |
| $66,246 | $107,434* | β | $19,000* | 0.18 | |
| $66,014 | $103,650* | $118,342 | $15,500* | 0.15 | |
| $10,560 | $90,673* | $121,708 | $16,868* | 0.19 | |
| $60,438 | $87,608* | $129,248 | $19,734* | 0.23 | |
| $61,884 | $85,172* | β | $27,000* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | β | $61,322* | β | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Saint Mary College, approximately 30% 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 30 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.