UNH Today

The future is bright for graduates with degrees in computer science. According to the Department of Labor, projected job growth for computer-related careers from 2012 to 2022 ranges from 18 to 37 percent. Not only are these grads in high demand, but they’re also among the highest paid right out of college.

In its spring 2015 Salary Survey, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows computer science majors earn the top average starting salary among computer and information sciences graduates at the bachelor’s degree level. The report puts the average starting salary for computer science majors at $66,801—nearly $20,000 more than the average starting salary for the overall class of 2014.

Mihaela Sabin, associate professor and coordinator of the Computing Technology program at UNH Manchester, said the local demand for these grads is evident.

“We know firsthand how hot the job market is for computing graduates based on the calls we get from employers who check references for our graduates,” Sabin said. “We also have alums contacting us with job opportunities, because they know we prepare highly competitive candidates.”

The survey showed starting salaries for other computing degrees are also above the overall average, ranging from $48,659 for computer software and media applications majors to $59,881 for computer and information sciences majors. The data, collected through NACE’s national First-Destination Survey, represents more than 45,000 bachelor’s degree graduates from more than 140 colleges and universities nationwide.

Sabin said UNH Manchester's extensive partnerships with local businesses give students in the Computer Information Systems and Computer Science & Entrepreneurship programs the hands-on experience employers look for.

"The computing programs at UNH Manchester have the unique advantage of placing students in internship positions with high-tech companies or companies with high computing needs right here in Manchester," Sabin said.