Breaking down the key findings from the University of Maryland study on The Impact of High School Computer Science Courses on College Majors and Earnings
In today’s technology-driven world, computer science (CS) is more than just an elective—it’s a gateway to future academic and career success. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland, College Park, and republished by Brookings Institution shows how computer science in high school boosts career earnings and increases college CS majors.
Taking High School CS Increases CS Bachelor Degrees
The report reveals that students who take a computer science course in high school are 5% more likely to receive a CS Bachelor’s degree. Exposure to programming, problem-solving, and computational thinking builds confidence and interest in these subjects, leading students toward degrees in engineering, data science, and other tech-driven disciplines and increasing college readiness. This early exposure is a game-changer with the growing demand for CS professionals.
Offering High School CS Boosts Early Career Earnings
One of the study's most compelling findings is that access to computer science (CS) coursework significantly boosts students’ employment prospects and early career earnings.
The study shows high schools that offer computer science courses increase students’ chances of employment by 2.6% and boost their annual earnings by approximately 8%. The impact is even greater for traditionally underrepresented groups—including women, students from low-income backgrounds, and Black students—who experience larger gains in both CS degree attainment and earnings.
These findings highlight the long-term financial advantages of early exposure to CS education and emphasize the need for targeted efforts to expand access.
Bridging the High School CS Enrollment Gap
There have been many improvements in state CS requirements in recent years. Since 2017, the number of states requiring their high schools to offer computer science has risen from 4 to 30. Additionally, eight states now mandate that students take some form of CS in high school.
Despite the improvements in state CS requirements and the increase in high schools offering CS, computer science course participation varies significantly across demographics and academic achievement. Asian students see the largest increase in enrollment, while Black and Hispanic students experience smaller gains. The study also shows that there is a significant math achievement gap—students in the top 25% of prior math performance are nearly three times more likely to take a CS course than those in the bottom 25%. These disparities highlight the need for targeted efforts, such as early math preparation, outreach, and tailored CS instruction—to expand access and encourage broader participation in CS education.
Computer Science for All? The Impact of High School Computer Science Courses on College Majors and Earnings (January 2024). Annenberg Institute at Brown University. https://edworkingpapers.com/sites/default/files/ai24-904.pdf
Whether you’re a teacher looking for an easy way to start offering a CS course or a district leader planning a full CS pathway, CodeHS has the curriculum, training, and support to make it happen. Learn more.
