Computer Science at William & Mary
Bachelor's Degree
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 ratio—substantially 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 play—your 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
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 William & Mary graduates compare to all programs nationally
William & Mary graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all computer science 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 Virginia
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $84,956 | $104,938 | $19,794 | 0.23 |
| George Mason University | $84,632 | $97,310 | — | — |
| Longwood University | $78,085 | — | — | — |
| Christopher Newport University | $72,128 | $83,205 | $22,250 | 0.31 |
| Radford University | $66,857 | $81,648 | $26,000 | 0.39 |
| Bridgewater College | $58,440 | — | $26,000 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University Fairfax | $13,815 | $84,632 | — |
| Longwood University Farmville | $15,200 | $78,085 | — |
| Christopher Newport University Newport News | $16,351 | $72,128 | $22,250 |
| Radford University Radford | $12,286 | $66,857 | $26,000 |
| Bridgewater College Bridgewater | $41,350 | $58,440 | $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 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.