Computer Science at Washington College

Computer science programs in Maryland range from powerhouse state schools at $99,000+ to smaller programs barely breaking $50,000—and without actual graduate data, Washington College remains an unknown quantity in this spread. Based on comparable programs statewide, first-year earnings around $71,800 would land graduates squarely in the middle of Maryland's CS market, matching the state median but trailing UMD-College Park by nearly 40% and UMBC by over 15%. That's not necessarily problematic for a small liberal arts college, but it suggests graduates may face different job market outcomes than those from Maryland's established tech feeders.

The estimated $25,000 debt load sits slightly above Maryland's CS median of $20,340 but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. This is reasonable territory for a bachelor's in a technical field, though families should note they're paying a premium over what in-state students typically borrow at Maryland's public universities.

The real question is whether Washington College's intimate environment and 66% admission rate translate to outcomes that justify choosing it over Maryland's proven CS programs. Without actual graduate data, you're essentially betting on the value of a liberal arts approach to computer science. If your child thrives in smaller settings and the family can manage near-median debt, the estimated numbers don't raise red flags—but they don't provide evidence of advantage either.