Computer Science at Plymouth State University

Plymouth State's computer science program produces graduates earning nearly $60,000 in their first year—respectable in absolute terms but surprisingly weak given the tech sector's premium salaries. This ranks in just the 25th percentile among New Hampshire's four computer science programs, with graduates earning roughly $12,500 less than the state median. Nationally, the gap is similar: Plymouth State CS majors start about $11,750 below the typical computer science graduate. When your neighbor's kid at Southern New Hampshire University is making 21% more right out of the gate in the same state, that's worth noting.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $27,000, it matches both state and national CS program medians, creating a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates should be able to handle loan payments without undue stress. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly year to year, making this data less reliable than programs with larger cohorts.

For families paying close attention to ROI, this program underperforms its peers despite computer science's general reputation as a safe bet. If your child has admission offers from other New Hampshire schools with CS programs, compare their outcomes carefully. Plymouth State's broad admissions (91% acceptance rate) may appeal to students who need options, but the earnings shortfall relative to state alternatives suggests this isn't where you'd choose to study CS if stronger programs are accessible.