Analysis
Is $27,000 in debt worth it for a computer science degree from Long Island? Based on comparable programs in New York, graduates typically earn around $63,000 in their first year—right at the state median for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that New York's tech sector creates vast wage disparities. While top programs like Cornell and Stony Brook place graduates in $90,000+ roles, most New York CS programs cluster around this $60,000 range, which still positions graduates reasonably well in a field with strong job prospects.
The challenge here is understanding what Molloy specifically delivers versus what these state-wide estimates tell us. The university's 76% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest a more accessible path into tech than elite competitors, but without actual graduate outcomes, it's impossible to know whether Molloy's CS program connects students to Long Island's growing tech corridor or leaves them competing in a crowded New York market. Computer science degrees generally retain value even at mid-tier schools because employers prioritize skills over pedigree, but location matters—especially when New York's top quartile of programs produce 40% higher starting salaries.
The bottom line: The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value for a CS degree, but press the school directly for placement rates and employer partnerships. Where their graduates actually land jobs—and at what companies—matters far more than these peer-based projections.
Where Molloy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (68 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,840 | $62,592* | — | $26,955* | — | |
| $66,246 | $107,434* | — | $19,000* | 0.18 | |
| $66,014 | $103,650* | $118,342 | $15,500* | 0.15 | |
| $10,560 | $90,673* | $121,708 | $16,868* | 0.19 | |
| $60,438 | $87,608* | $129,248 | $19,734* | 0.23 | |
| $61,884 | $85,172* | — | $27,000* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322* | — | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Molloy University, approximately 30% 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 30 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.