Computer Science at Washington Adventist University

Maryland's Computer Science bachelor's programs show a dramatic range in first-year outcomes, from $54,000 at the low end to nearly $100,000 at flagship University of Maryland-College Park. Washington Adventist's estimated $71,795 first-year earnings—drawn from the state median across five similar programs—land right in the middle of this pack, matching Towson University but well below the state's top-tier options like UMBC's $83,684. Given the school's 920 average SAT and 45% admission rate, these peer-program earnings suggest competitive outcomes for a less selective institution.

The estimated $25,000 debt load is slightly higher than Maryland's typical $20,340 for Computer Science programs but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. This means roughly four months of gross first-year salary would cover the full debt—a reasonable burden in a field where salaries typically grow quickly. For context, nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, so many families are financing this degree with federal aid rather than deep pockets.

The critical unknown is how Washington Adventist's specific outcomes compare to these state and national benchmarks. With no reported graduate data, you're betting that this program performs somewhere near the Maryland average. If your child can gain admission to UMBC or Maryland-College Park, those schools offer both proven track records and significantly higher earnings. But if Washington Adventist provides the necessary support system and your student will thrive in a smaller environment, the estimated economics suggest it won't trap them in unmanageable debt.