Computer Science at University of Maryland-College Park
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Maryland-College Park's computer science program stands out as one of the nation's elite options, with graduates earning $99,756 in their first year—nearly $30,000 above the national median for CS programs. This places UMD in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning it outperforms 95% of computer science programs across the country. Even within Maryland's competitive tech landscape, it ranks in the 80th percentile among state programs.
The financial picture is equally compelling. At $20,000 in median debt, graduates owe slightly less than both national and state averages for computer science degrees. This creates an exceptional debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their entire debt burden with just one-fifth of their first year's salary. The combination of premium earnings with below-average debt represents exactly what parents hope for in a college investment.
This is a clear winner for families who can secure admission. While UMD's 45% acceptance rate and 1463 average SAT score indicate competitive entry requirements, the financial returns justify the academic rigor. With over 100 recent graduates in the dataset, these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than statistical noise.
Where University of Maryland-College Park Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science 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 University of Maryland-College Park graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $100k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-College Park | $99,756 | — | $20,000 | 0.20 |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $83,684 | $95,052 | $20,000 | 0.24 |
| Towson University | $71,795 | $92,268 | $20,340 | 0.28 |
| Loyola University Maryland | $61,017 | — | $27,000 | 0.44 |
| Frostburg State University | $54,349 | — | $21,500 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Maryland
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore | $12,952 | $83,684 | $20,000 |
| Towson University Towson | $11,306 | $71,795 | $20,340 |
| Loyola University Maryland Baltimore | $55,480 | $61,017 | $27,000 |
| Frostburg State University Frostburg | $9,998 | $54,349 | $21,500 |
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 Maryland-College Park, approximately 19% 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 506 graduates with reported earnings and 451 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.