Computer and Information Sciences at Long Island University

Computer science programs in New York span an enormous range, from Barnard's $107,000 first-year outcomes down to programs earning half that. Based on comparable programs across the state, Long Island University appears to sit near the middle of this pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $63,000 and debt around $27,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests manageable repayment—tech jobs typically command salaries that can absorb this level of borrowing—but these are peer program estimates, not reported outcomes from LIU's own graduates.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With a 90% admission rate and average SAT scores that suggest less selective admissions, LIU serves a different student population than Cornell or NYU. Whether their computer science graduates achieve earnings similar to the state median depends heavily on factors we can't see: internship networks, recruiting relationships with tech employers, and curriculum strength. New York's tech sector creates genuine opportunity, but location alone doesn't guarantee access to it.

If your child is considering LIU for computer science, focus your due diligence on career outcomes you can verify: where recent graduates actually landed jobs, what companies recruit on campus, and whether the program has strong industry connections in the competitive New York tech market. The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment if they hold true, but you'll want concrete evidence this program delivers.