Analysis
University of Maryland Global Campus delivers strong computer science outcomes that outperform national expectations, though it sits in the middle tier among Maryland programs. With first-year earnings of $75,619βranking in the 84th percentile nationallyβgraduates earn significantly more than the typical computer science graduate ($61,322) and see healthy 20% growth to $90,449 by year four. The $22,000 debt load matches Maryland's median for this field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29.
Within Maryland's competitive tech landscape, this program holds its own at the 60th percentile, placing it ahead of established names like Morgan State while trailing premium options like Johns Hopkins ($109,514) by a substantial margin. The earnings gap reflects UMGC's positioning as an accessible, career-focused institution rather than an elite research university, but the financial fundamentals remain solid for families seeking practical value.
For parents weighing options, UMGC's computer science program offers a clear path to well-paying tech careers without excessive debt. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable borrowing levels, and strong earnings growth makes this a financially sound choice, particularly for students who may not qualify for Maryland's most selective programs but want reliable entry into the lucrative tech sector.
Where University of Maryland Global Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Maryland Global Campus 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 Global Campus | $75,619 | $90,449 | +20% |
| Johns Hopkins University | $109,514 | $140,666 | +28% |
| Salisbury University | $59,653 | $98,491 | +65% |
| Strayer University-Maryland | $67,315 | $77,481 | +15% |
| St. Mary's College of Maryland | $72,926 | $76,653 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,992 | $75,619 | $90,449 | $22,000 | 0.29 | |
| $63,340 | $109,514 | $140,666 | $12,750 | 0.12 | |
| $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 | β | β | |
| $27,318 | $63,334 | β | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $61,322 | β | $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 Global Campus, approximately 28% 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 437 graduates with reported earnings and 477 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.