Computer Science at CUNY York College

York College's Computer Science bachelor's produces first-year earnings of just $36,061—less than half the $74,515 median for New York computer science programs and far below the $70,950 national median. While estimated debt of $13,500 is modest compared to peer programs in the state, the underlying earnings problem makes this a difficult investment to justify.

The 41% earnings growth by year four brings graduates to $50,719, but even this improved figure trails typical outcomes for the field. In New York's competitive tech market—where comparable computer science programs at RIT or University of Rochester produce graduates earning $95,000-$100,000 in their first year—York's students start at a significant disadvantage. The gap suggests either limited access to the highest-paying tech roles or a concentration in lower-tier positions within the field.

For families considering this program, the core question isn't affordability—the estimated debt load is manageable at any salary. It's whether a degree that places graduates in the bottom 10% of New York computer science earners provides the career launch you're seeking. If York is the pathway to a CS degree for a student who might not access other options, and if the student plans aggressive skill-building through internships and self-study, it can work. But parents should understand they're banking on their child's individual hustle to close a substantial earnings gap that the credential alone doesn't bridge.