Computer and Information Sciences at Wellesley College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Wellesley's computer science program outperforms nearly every other program in Massachusetts while keeping debt remarkably low—a rare combination for an elite liberal arts college. Starting at over $100,000, graduates earn 39% more than the state median and significantly more than well-regarded programs at Bentley or UMass-Dartmouth. At 80th percentile in Massachusetts, it trails only Northeastern's tech-focused programs. The $13,350 median debt is less than half what students typically borrow for CS degrees in the state, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.13—among the best in the nation.
The earnings trajectory looks strong, with 31% growth to $132,000 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transition into senior technical roles or competitive tech markets. This makes sense given Wellesley's highly selective admissions (14% acceptance rate) and strong academic profile, which likely translates to excellent recruiting opportunities with top-tier tech employers.
For families considering a women's college for computer science, these numbers make a compelling case. You're looking at top-5% national outcomes with minimal debt burden, positioning graduates to aggressively save, invest, or pursue graduate education without financial strain. The premium over other Massachusetts options—nearly $30,000 more than state median—easily justifies the investment, particularly with Wellesley's low debt loads.
Where Wellesley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Wellesley College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wellesley College graduates earn $101k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellesley College | $100,644 | $132,277 | $13,350 | 0.13 |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $115,587 | $132,227 | $23,001 | 0.20 |
| Northeastern University | $115,587 | $132,227 | $23,001 | 0.20 |
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | $80,332 | $93,144 | $22,500 | 0.28 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $77,970 | $90,180 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
| Bentley University | $72,227 | $100,068 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston | — | $115,587 | $23,001 |
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $115,587 | $23,001 |
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams | $11,884 | $80,332 | $22,500 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth | $15,208 | $77,970 | $27,000 |
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $72,227 | $26,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wellesley College, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.