Analysis
William & Mary's computer science program delivers solid outcomes that outpace both national and state benchmarks, though it doesn't quite reach the top tier of Virginia programs. With first-year earnings of $84,956, graduates match George Mason's results despite coming from a smaller liberal arts college, and they sit well above the Virginia median of $72,128. The 24% earnings growth to $104,938 by year four suggests strong career progression, and the relatively low debt load of $19,794 creates a comfortable 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratioβsubstantially better than both state and national medians.
The 60th percentile ranking among Virginia programs tells an interesting story: William & Mary positions itself as a competitive option for in-state students, though not quite at George Mason's level. The college's selective admissions (33% acceptance rate, 1458 SAT) and low Pell grant participation (12%) suggest this program serves a fairly affluent student body who can likely manage the modest debt burden easily. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates reflects the school's smaller, more intimate scale compared to large public universities.
For Virginia families, this represents a strong value playβyour student gets competitive tech industry outcomes while benefiting from William & Mary's broader liberal arts education and prestigious brand. The debt is manageable, the earnings are strong, and the career trajectory looks healthy. If your child has strong academic credentials and wants a traditional college experience alongside technical training, this program delivers.
Where William & Mary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How William & Mary graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $84,956 | $104,938 | +24% |
| Harvard University | $152,251 | $256,539 | +68% |
| George Mason University | $84,632 | $97,310 | +15% |
| Christopher Newport University | $72,128 | $83,205 | +15% |
| Radford University | $66,857 | $81,648 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,040 | $84,956 | $104,938 | $19,794 | 0.23 | |
| $13,815 | $84,632 | $97,310 | β | β | |
| $15,200 | $78,085 | β | β | β | |
| $16,351 | $72,128 | $83,205 | $22,250 | 0.31 | |
| $12,286 | $66,857 | $81,648 | $26,000 | 0.39 | |
| $41,350 | $58,440 | β | $26,000 | 0.44 | |
| National Median | β | $70,950 | β | $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 William & Mary, approximately 12% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.