Neumont College of Computer Science

Neumont offers project-based BS degrees exclusively in computer science (software engineering, game development, etc.), with curricula designed to mirror real-world tech workflows. The school touts its 'industry-proven' approach, emphasizing portfolio-building through collaborative projects over theoretical coursework. A Reddit commenter likened it to a 'glorified University of Phoenix,' but the catalog describes a rigorous blend of problem-based learning and competency assessments. Notably absent: humanities requirements or traditional gen-ed breadth.

• Degrees include BS in Computer Science, Software and Game Development, and Data Science
• Curriculum emphasizes 'active engagement' over lectures
• No national accreditation (only regional), which may limit credit transfers

Campus culture orbits around tech and gaming, with students describing a 'geeky' vibe where 'we are free to be ourselves at any event.' Niche notes a male-dominated environment (consistent with CS demographics) and social life heavy on LAN parties and hackathons. The small size (~476 students) fosters tight-knit collaboration, though traditional college experiences (D1 sports, Greek life) are absent. Salt Lake City provides outdoor recreation, but the urban campus lacks sprawling quads or classic college-town energy.

• Student testimonials highlight a 'very enjoyable' culture of mutual tech obsession
• Events skew toward coding competitions and industry networking
• Housing and clubs data is sparse, suggesting limited traditional extracurriculars

Neumont's 55% four-year graduation rate lags behind national averages, but early-career outcomes impress: graduates earn $66k on average, $22k above typical benchmarks for similar institutions. However, outcomes for Pell Grant students are concerning—a 57.14% graduation rate places Neumont among the weakest 200 schools for low-income student success per federal data. The trade-off is clear: high earning potential for those who persist, but significant attrition risk, especially for underserved populations.

• 63% overall completion rate (includes transfers)
• Strong 'return on credential' metrics (100th percentile vs peers)
• High average debt ($35k net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.) relative to peer institutions

With a $35,205 average net price, Neumont isn't cheap—but merit scholarships (up to $1,700/quarter) and federal aid soften the blow. The school estimates $28,592 after average aid packages ($11,374), though this still leaves grads with above-average debt. Notably, the for-profit model means fewer endowment-funded grants than non-profits offer. The ROI calculus hinges entirely on landing a high-paying tech job post-graduation.

• Tuition-heavy cost structure (minimal campus amenities)
• Net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator available for personalized estimates
• No mention of need-blind admissions or guaranteed aid

Neumont is a singular gamble: sacrifice the liberal arts experience and pay premium tuition for a no-frills, industry-aligned CS education. Its strengths are ruthlessly pragmatic—grads out-earn peers despite the school's modest reputation—but the trade-offs (low Pell success rates, sparse campus life) are stark. Ideal for self-motivated tech obsessives who view college as vocational training; a poor fit for those seeking intellectual exploration or a traditional undergraduate experience.