Compare 9 Computer Science. programs in Virginia. Average earnings: $81,879.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Computer Science tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $58,440 to $104,938—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
William & Mary's Computer Science program leads with graduates earning $104,938, well above the $81,879 average. George Mason University follows at $97,310, proving regional publics can compete with elite institutions when evaluated by actual program outcomes rather than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. William & Mary graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 3.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | William & MaryPublic | $104,938 | 73 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Good |
| #2 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $97,310 | 19 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Good |
| #3 | $91,744 | 17 | $19,500 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $83,205 | 57 | $25,000 | Excellent | $44,122 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Radford UniversityPublic | $81,648 | 46 | $24,000 | Excellent | $22,158 | Good |
| #6 | Longwood UniversityPublic | $78,085 | 20 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,395 | Manageable |
| #7 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $77,046 | 21 | $24,500 | Excellent | $16,398 | Good |
| #8 | $64,493 | 20 | $22,996 | Excellent | $36,278 | Challenging | |
| #9 | Bridgewater CollegePrivate | $58,440 | 10 | $26,000 | Good | $37,735 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
