Location: Annapolis, MD•Admission Rate: 9%•Avg SAT: 1308
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$71,795
Est. from MD median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,170
Est. from MD median (4 programs)

Analysis

The Naval Academy's unique structure makes this program impossible to evaluate using traditional metrics. These estimates—$72,000 first-year earnings and $20,000 in debt—are derived from other Maryland computer science programs, but they fundamentally misrepresent what attending the academy actually means. Midshipmen receive free tuition, room, and board, and graduate with zero educational debt. The "debt" figure here likely reflects peer institutions where students paid full freight. More importantly, graduates incur a five-year active-duty service commitment at military pay scales, which differ dramatically from civilian tech salaries.

The real question isn't about debt ratios or starting salaries—it's whether your child wants a military career. Computer science graduates from the academy will spend their first years as naval officers, not software engineers at Google or Amazon. While the academy's 9% admission rate and 1308 average SAT demonstrate exceptional selectivity, and the CS curriculum is rigorous, the career trajectory bears no resemblance to civilian programs. After fulfilling their service commitment, many transition to high-paying tech roles with strong veteran preferences, but that's a decade-long timeline.

If your child is committed to serving in the Navy and wants technical training within that context, this program offers unmatched value. If they simply want a CS degree to launch a tech career, comparing this to University of Maryland-College Park ($100,000 median) or UMBC ($84,000 median) misses the point entirely—those graduates start working in industry immediately, while academy graduates begin military service.

Where United States Naval Academy Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

United States Naval Academy (estimated ±10%)Other computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis—$71,795*—$20,170*—
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park$11,505$99,756*—$20,000*0.20
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore$12,952$83,684*$95,052$20,000*0.24
Towson UniversityTowson$11,306$71,795*$92,268$20,340*0.28
Loyola University MarylandBaltimore$55,480$61,017*—$27,000*0.44
Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg$9,998$54,349*—$21,500*0.40
National Median—$70,950*—$23,374*0.33
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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). 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 5 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.