Computer Programming at University of Mount Union

In Ohio, where comparable computer programming bachelor's programs typically yield first-year earnings around $57,000, this program's estimated $50,000 outcome falls noticeably short—closer to the national median than what in-state alternatives deliver. The University of Akron, for instance, reports actual graduate earnings of $64,000, suggesting Mount Union's students may be entering a similar job market but not competing as effectively for top-tier positions. That $14,000 gap compounds over a career's early years.

The estimated $31,000 debt load translates to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, which puts monthly loan payments at roughly $345—manageable on a $50,000 salary but leaving less cushion than you'd want. Peer programs in Ohio typically saddle graduates with around $28,000 in debt while producing higher earnings, creating a more favorable equation. With Mount Union's 80% admission rate and modest SAT profile, the question becomes whether the smaller campus environment justifies accepting both higher debt and lower estimated earnings than nearby public alternatives.

If your child is set on Mount Union for non-academic reasons—location, fit, campus culture—this program won't derail their future, but they should understand they're likely trading some earning power for those intangibles. The smarter play financially is exploring programs at Akron or similar state schools where actual outcomes, not estimates, show stronger returns.