Computer and Information Sciences at CUNY York College

CUNY York College's computer science program delivers strong long-term value despite a rocky start. That $37,837 first-year salary ranks in just the 10th percentile among New York tech programs—roughly $25,000 below the state median. But by year four, graduates reach nearly $58,000, showing 53% earnings growth that suggests many students need time to break into competitive NYC tech roles or complete certifications after graduation.

The debt picture is genuinely excellent: $12,000 is less than half what typical computer science graduates owe nationally ($25,000), and well below New York's $24,720 median. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means most graduates should clear their loans within months, not years. For families worried about cost—particularly relevant given that 43% of York students receive Pell grants—this represents meaningful financial access to a tech career.

The tradeoff is clear: your child will likely start behind peers from higher-profile programs (compare that first-year $37,837 to Stony Brook's $90,673), but won't carry crushing debt while climbing the ladder. If they're self-motivated enough to pursue internships, build portfolios, and network aggressively during school, the minimal debt load gives them runway to reach competitive salaries. But students expecting their degree alone to open doors at top tech firms should look elsewhere—this is a budget path that requires hustle.