Computer and Information Sciences at Worcester State University

Worcester State's computer science program costs about half the national median in debt, but graduates start nearly $18,000 below the Massachusetts median—ranking in just the 25th percentile among Bay State programs. That's a significant gap in a state where tech salaries run high, particularly when top programs like Northeastern and UMass-Dartmouth place graduates earning $40,000-$60,000 more annually.

The debt burden itself is manageable at $24,250, translating to roughly $270 in monthly payments against a $54,477 starting salary. Earnings do grow 18% to over $64,000 by year four, which is solid progression. But here's the challenge: even after four years, graduates still earn $8,000 less than the typical first-year salary from stronger Massachusetts programs. In a competitive tech market, that earnings disadvantage compounds quickly.

For families prioritizing affordability and a direct path to employment, this program delivers exactly that—low debt and reasonable starting salaries. But if your child has admission options at UMass campuses or similar state schools with stronger tech industry connections, the initial tuition savings may not offset years of lower earning potential. The 90% admission rate suggests this serves more as an accessible entry point into tech rather than a launchpad into Massachusetts' higher-paying tech ecosystem.