Analysis
New York computer science programs typically launch graduates into solid earning territory, and peer programs in the state suggest Medgar Evers follows this pattern. The estimated $74,515 first-year salary aligns with the state median and exceeds the national benchmark of $70,950, while estimated debt of $13,500 comes in well below both state and national averages. That produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18—meaning graduates would owe less than three months of first-year income, a comfortable starting position for most households.
What distinguishes this program is its service to students who might otherwise struggle to access tech careers. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants and an admission rate of 83%, Medgar Evers serves a population that elite New York CS programs (Cornell, Columbia, RPI) largely don't reach. While those top programs report salaries of $100,000-$150,000+, they're also extraordinarily selective. For students who wouldn't gain admission to those schools, comparable CUNY programs suggest this represents a genuine pathway to middle-class earning potential without crushing debt.
The caveat: these figures are derived from similar programs statewide, not Medgar Evers' actual graduate outcomes. If the school's specific results differ significantly—say, due to weaker employer recruitment or fewer students landing tech jobs versus related fields—the financial picture could be less favorable. Still, the combination of reasonable estimated debt and solid estimated earnings suggests a worthwhile investment, particularly for students prioritizing accessibility and affordability over prestige.
Where CUNY Medgar Evers College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,352 | $74,515* | — | $13,500* | — | |
| $66,014 | $152,656* | $185,679 | $14,698* | 0.10 | |
| $69,045 | $118,636* | $160,457 | $20,397* | 0.17 | |
| $61,884 | $104,943* | $129,412 | $23,250* | 0.22 | |
| $64,348 | $99,878* | $136,559 | $19,000* | 0.19 | |
| $57,016 | $94,611* | $125,429 | $27,000* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Medgar Evers College, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 20 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.