Computer Science at Merrimack College

North Andover, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,256/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #299 of 345 Computer Science programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $744K $721K $590K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$207,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$151,596
27% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $70,256/yr, roughly in line with the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #299 out of 345 programs, Merrimack College's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Merrimack College

Merrimack College accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,043 students in North Andover, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Merrimack College →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Merrimack College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Merrimack College's Computer Science program score?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Merrimack College trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →