Computer and Information Sciences at CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College's Computer Science program starts slower than most NY tech programs, but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. First-year graduates earn $52,000—about 20% below both the state and national medians—but by year four, earnings jump to $84,000, surpassing both benchmarks. That 61% growth rate signals that employers increasingly value these graduates as they gain experience, even if initial placement lags behind competitors like Stony Brook or NYU.

The debt picture makes the trade-off clearer. At just $12,000, Brooklyn College graduates carry less than half the typical debt load for CS programs in New York ($24,720). This means even with lower starting salaries, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 is quite manageable—graduates can realistically pay off loans within a year of working. For families concerned about borrowing, this is a genuine advantage.

The catch: if your child needs strong earning power immediately after graduation—perhaps to support family or repay private loans—this program's slower start could be problematic. But for students who can afford a modest first year while building skills, the combination of minimal debt and strong mid-career earnings ($84,000 by year four) makes this a defensible choice, especially given the 54% admission rate makes it more accessible than elite alternatives.