Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42—meaning less than half a year's salary to repay—suggests this program lands in reasonable financial territory, though the picture relies entirely on estimates from peer institutions. With computer science graduates nationwide earning around $61,000 their first year, and North Dakota programs typically producing slightly higher outcomes at $65,000, University of Mary's program appears positioned near the middle of the pack for both earnings and debt burden.
The $25,860 estimated debt load sits close to both state and national norms for computer science bachelor's programs, which is encouraging in a field where student borrowing can sometimes run considerably higher at private institutions. However, the complete absence of reported data—both for earnings and debt—means you're making this decision without knowing how Mary's graduates specifically fare. The University of North Dakota reports actual first-year earnings of $65,020 for its computer science graduates, providing at least one concrete data point for comparison within the state.
For a field with strong hiring demand like computer science, the estimated financials don't raise immediate red flags, but they also don't distinguish this program. If your student is considering Mary for reasons beyond the numbers—perhaps campus culture, faith-based education, or location—the estimated debt burden won't likely derail their career start. Just understand you're betting on averages from similar programs rather than proven outcomes from this specific one.
Where University of Mary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,468 | $61,322* | — | $25,860* | — | |
| $10,951 | $65,020* | — | $25,625* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322* | — | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 University of Mary, approximately 18% 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 national median of 443 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.