Computer and Information Sciences at University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Bachelor's Degree
wwwcp.umes.eduAnalysis
The small sample size here means these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few graduates, but the pattern they show is genuinely concerning: first-year earnings of $38,000 place this program in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Maryland's 18 computer science programs. Even after the impressive 85% growth to $71,000 by year four, that starting salary lags $25,000 behind the state median. For context, Morgan State—another Maryland HBCU—sees its computer science grads earning $67,000 right out of the gate.
The $31,000 debt load is higher than both state and national norms for CS programs, which amplifies the risk of that weak start. With 53% of students on Pell grants, many families here are making significant financial sacrifices. Computer science should be one of the safer bets in higher education—nationally, CS grads typically earn $61,000 in year one—but something about how this program connects students to the tech job market isn't working at scale.
If your child is set on UMES, the debt stays manageable and the four-year trajectory improves significantly. But for a field where employers are actively recruiting and starting salaries typically break $60,000, entering the workforce at $38,000 puts graduates at a real disadvantage in building early-career momentum and competing for advancement opportunities.
Where University of Maryland Eastern Shore Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore | $38,293 | $70,764 | +85% |
| Johns Hopkins University | $109,514 | $140,666 | +28% |
| Salisbury University | $59,653 | $98,491 | +65% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $75,619 | $90,449 | +20% |
| Strayer University-Maryland | $67,315 | $77,481 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,898 | $38,293 | $70,764 | $31,000 | 0.81 | |
| $63,340 | $109,514 | $140,666 | $12,750 | 0.12 | |
| $7,992 | $75,619 | $90,449 | $22,000 | 0.29 | |
| $15,236 | $72,926 | $76,653 | $22,000 | 0.30 | |
| $13,920 | $67,315 | $77,481 | $50,737 | 0.75 | |
| $8,118 | $66,950 | $61,726 | — | — | |
| 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 Maryland Eastern Shore, approximately 53% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.