Analysis
Computer science programs in Connecticut cluster tightly around $80,000 in first-year earnings, and Wesleyan's estimated figures land right in that range. With projected debt of $25,000 against estimated earnings of $79,605, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 compares favorably to many bachelor's programs, suggesting graduates could manage repayment within a year or two of focused effort. Nationally, these earnings estimates exceed the median for computer science bachelor's degrees by roughly $9,000, reflecting Connecticut's proximity to high-paying tech markets in the Boston-New York corridor.
The key uncertainty here is whether Wesleyan's particular approach—liberal arts-infused computer science at a highly selective school (17% admission rate, 1513 average SAT)—translates to outcomes materially different from the state median. The small number of graduates means the DOE can't publish actual figures, making it impossible to know if Wesleyan's alumni command a premium for the school's selectivity and network, or if technical employers treat all Connecticut CS degrees similarly. Connecticut College's reported $86,403 suggests some differentiation is possible among smaller liberal arts programs in the state.
For families paying Wesleyan's private school tuition, the question isn't whether computer science is viable—it clearly is—but whether this specific program justifies its likely higher sticker price over state alternatives like UConn, which appears to produce similar early earnings. The estimated debt figure assumes financial aid brings costs down considerably from list price.
Where Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown | $67,316 | $79,605* | — | $25,000* | — |
 Connecticut CollegeNew London | $64,812 | $86,403* | — | $26,352* | 0.30 |
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $79,605* | $105,734 | $25,000* | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $79,605* | $105,734 | $25,000* | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton | $17,462 | $79,605* | $105,734 | $25,000* | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford | $17,472 | $79,605* | $105,734 | $25,000* | 0.31 |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Wesleyan University, approximately 15% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.