Computer and Information Sciences at Kean University

Kean University's computer science graduates earn meaningfully less than their New Jersey peers—about $8,000 below the state median in year one. That gap matters in a state where tech salaries run high and competition for jobs is fierce. While the 40th percentile ranking suggests Kean sits near the middle of NJ programs, the reality is starker: top programs in the state like Rutgers and TCNJ produce graduates earning $80,000-$85,000 right out of college, nearly $20,000-$30,000 more than Kean alumni.

The positive spin is that debt loads remain reasonable at $26,243, and the 14% earnings growth over four years shows graduates do gain traction in their careers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 is solid—far better than many programs nationally. But when you're earning $63,649 four years out in one of the country's most expensive regions, that modest salary growth doesn't translate to comfortable living, especially compared to what's possible at other NJ schools.

For families prioritizing affordability and access—particularly the 46% of students here on Pell grants—Kean offers a path into tech careers without crushing debt. But if your child can gain admission to a more selective NJ public or private school, the earnings difference compounds dramatically over a career. The question isn't whether this program works; it's whether it works as well as the alternatives available in your own backyard.