Analysis
Computer science graduates from comparable Ohio programs typically earn around $74,000 in their first year—right at the state median—while programs at Muskingum's peer institutions suggest debt loads near $27,000. That produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates would owe roughly four and a half months of their first-year salary. For context, the national median debt for computer science bachelor's programs is lower at $23,374, though the earnings estimate here matches what the typical Ohio CS graduate makes.
The real question is whether Muskingum can deliver outcomes competitive with the state benchmarks these estimates are based on. The university serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients (41%) with relatively modest SAT scores, which sometimes correlates with different employment outcomes than state averages would suggest. Ohio has strong computer science programs—Case Western and Cedarville graduates, for instance, earn considerably more—so the market exists, but your child's individual results could vary substantially from these peer-program estimates.
If you're considering this program, focus on specifics the data can't tell you: internship placement rates, employer relationships, and where recent Muskingum CS graduates actually landed jobs. The estimated numbers suggest a manageable debt load if earnings materialize near state norms, but with no reported outcomes available for this specific program, you'll need to dig deeper into Muskingum's track record before committing.
Where Muskingum University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,440 | $73,932* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $64,671 | $95,688* | $103,989 | $25,391* | 0.27 | |
| $36,078 | $76,615* | $87,615 | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| $9,577 | $76,264* | $97,188 | $47,834* | 0.63 | |
| $47,600 | $74,052* | — | $25,000* | 0.34 | |
| $6,178 | $73,932* | $81,470 | $21,500* | 0.29 | |
| 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 Muskingum University, approximately 41% 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 17 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.