Computer and Information Sciences at University of Maryland Global Campus

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 $75,619—ranking in the 84th percentile nationally—graduates 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.