Computer and Information Sciences at Adelphi University

The small sample size here demands caution, but these numbers tell a troubling story. Adelphi's computer science graduates earned less than $30,000 one year out—half what the typical New York computer science graduate makes, and barely above minimum wage for full-time work. This places the program in the 10th percentile statewide, meaning 90% of computer science programs in New York produce better immediate outcomes. Even accounting for geographic cost-of-living, these earnings are exceptionally low for a field known for strong entry-level salaries.

The debt load of $27,000 isn't outrageous by national standards, but when stacked against first-year earnings under $30,000, it creates a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that would make early repayment challenging. Compare this to SUNY Stony Brook, where graduates earn over $90,000 with similar debt levels—roughly three times the earning power for comparable cost. The discrepancy suggests either significant differences in curriculum rigor, recruiting relationships, or student preparation.

Given that even NY community colleges and regional state schools typically place computer science graduates into $60,000+ starting roles, something appears systematically off here. Unless your child has compelling reasons to attend Adelphi specifically, the state system offers dramatically better computer science outcomes at lower tuition. The limited sample means these results could shift with more data, but the current picture shows one of the weakest returns among New York's computer science programs.