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

University of New Hampshire's computer science program commands a premium price—$27,000 in median debt versus $25,000 nationally—but the investment pays off quickly. Graduates earn $75,156 in their first year, placing them in the 83rd percentile nationally and well above the $61,322 national median. More importantly, earnings grow to nearly $96,000 by year four, a 28% increase that demonstrates strong career momentum. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36, graduates can realistically pay off loans in under a year if they prioritize it.

The state picture reveals an interesting dynamic: while UNH ties for the highest first-year earnings among New Hampshire programs, it sits at the 60th percentile statewide. This suggests New Hampshire's small tech market (only 8 programs) creates a compressed wage structure at the top. What matters more is how UNH compares to alternatives—its graduates significantly outperform those from Southern New Hampshire ($61,322) and especially Keene State ($48,003), justifying the comparable debt load.

For parents concerned about return on investment, the numbers are reassuring. Your child would enter the workforce earning 23% more than the typical computer science graduate nationally, with manageable debt and clear upward trajectory. UNH's accessible admission standards (87% acceptance rate) mean this isn't a program that selects only elite students—they're genuinely preparing graduates for strong outcomes.