Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

With only three schools in New Hampshire offering this program and a sample size under 30 graduates, the data here tells an incomplete story, but what we can see raises questions about value. UNH's computer science program produces graduates earning $57,256 their first year—precisely at the state median but in the 25th percentile nationally. That means three-quarters of similar programs across the country deliver higher starting salaries, even though UNH students carry debt levels above the national norm (75th percentile).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 isn't catastrophic, but it's disappointing for a computer science degree, which typically offers strong financial returns. The real concern is the competitive positioning: if your child could access a higher-ranked tech program—particularly in major tech hubs where CS graduates average $60,000+—the premium may be worth pursuing. UNH's 87% admission rate and modest SAT average suggest this isn't a highly selective program, and the earnings reflect that reality.

For New Hampshire residents weighing in-state tuition benefits, this becomes a calculation between cost savings and career trajectory. But given that computer science careers often require relocation to tech centers anyway, parents should seriously compare this against programs with stronger industry connections and recruitment pipelines, even if they come with higher sticker prices.