Analysis
Computer science programs at Ohio schools show Wooster graduates could expect earnings near $74,000 in their first yearβright at the state median and above the national benchmark of $71,000. The estimated $27,000 debt load, while slightly higher than typical for Ohio CS programs, creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means roughly four and a half months of gross pay to cover the entire debt, which is quite reasonable for a technical degree.
What's worth noting is how Wooster's liberal arts environment fits into this picture. The school's selectivity (54% admission rate, 1370 average SAT) and small class sizes may offer networking advantages and mentorship that larger tech-focused universities can't match. Similar Ohio programs range from $74,000 to $96,000 in first-year earnings, with Case Western at the topβbut that premium comes with its own cost considerations. For students who want both the earning power of CS and the broader intellectual development of a liberal arts college, this estimated profile suggests solid value.
The practical takeaway: if your child thrives in smaller, discussion-based classes and values a well-rounded education alongside technical training, this program appears to deliver competitive career outcomes without crushing debt. The figures suggest typical Ohio CS graduate results, which have proven strong enough to justify the investment for most families.
Where The College of Wooster 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $59,550 | $73,932* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $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* | β | $25,000* | 0.34 | |
| $6,178 | $73,932* | $81,470 | $21,500* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | β | $70,950* | β | $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 The College of Wooster, 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.
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.