Computer and Information Sciences at Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College's Computer and Information Sciences associate's degree tells an interesting story once you look past the national rankings. While starting salaries of $33,038 place graduates below the national median, they're actually performing above the middle of the pack for New York state programs—beating out more than half of the 38 schools offering this degree. Given that nearly half of students receive Pell grants, this represents genuine economic mobility for working-class families, and the modest $11,500 debt load (below both state and national medians) keeps the financial risk manageable.

That said, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these figures could shift significantly with more data. The first-year earnings also lag behind stronger performers like Nassau Community College ($39,199) and Erie Community College ($35,253), suggesting that location and employer networks may matter considerably for tech jobs in New York. For students committed to staying in the Rochester area, this program offers a low-risk entry point into tech careers. For those with flexibility, it's worth examining whether other SUNY or CUNY options might open doors to higher-paying opportunities, especially in the New York City metro area where tech salaries tend to run higher.