Computer and Information Sciences at Northeastern University Professional Programs
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Northeastern University Professional Programs delivers exceptional outcomes in computer science, with graduates earning $115,587 in their first year—nearly double the national median of $61,322 and significantly above Massachusetts' state median of $72,227. This program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Massachusetts, making it the top-performing computer science program in the state and placing it among the elite nationwide.
The financial picture is particularly compelling. At $23,001 in median debt, students graduate with slightly less debt than typical computer science majors nationally ($25,000) while earning dramatically more. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in just 2.4 months of gross earnings. Earnings continue growing steadily, reaching $132,227 by year four—a 14% increase that reflects strong career progression in the field.
For parents, this represents one of the strongest value propositions available in computer science education. The combination of top-tier earning potential with manageable debt creates an unusually favorable return on investment. The 4% Pell Grant recipient rate suggests this program primarily serves affluent students, but the outcomes justify the investment for families who can afford it.
Where Northeastern University Professional Programs Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences 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 Northeastern University Professional Programs graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northeastern University Professional Programs graduates earn $116k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $115,587 | $132,227 | $23,001 | 0.20 |
| Northeastern University | $115,587 | $132,227 | $23,001 | 0.20 |
| Wellesley College | $100,644 | $132,277 | $13,350 | 0.13 |
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | $80,332 | $93,144 | $22,500 | 0.28 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $77,970 | $90,180 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
| Bentley University | $72,227 | $100,068 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $115,587 | $23,001 |
| Wellesley College Wellesley | $64,320 | $100,644 | $13,350 |
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams | $11,884 | $80,332 | $22,500 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth | $15,208 | $77,970 | $27,000 |
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $72,227 | $26,000 |
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 Northeastern University Professional Programs, approximately 4% 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 330 graduates with reported earnings and 276 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.