Computer and Information Sciences at Monroe University

Monroe University's Computer Science associate's program starts graduates at an alarmingly low $22,788—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally and well below even New York's state median of $29,810. While the program charges below-average debt ($14,864), that still represents nearly seven months of first-year earnings, a heavy burden when your initial salary barely exceeds $20,000. For context, graduates from nearby Monroe Community College start at $33,038, nearly 50% higher, and Nassau Community College grads earn $39,199—almost double what this program delivers initially.

The silver lining is substantial earnings growth: graduates see income jump 62% to $36,928 by year four, finally reaching competitive levels. However, this creates a difficult financial squeeze in those critical early years when debt payments begin. Parents should ask hard questions about why starting salaries lag so dramatically behind comparable CUNY programs and community colleges across the state.

Given that 58% of students receive Pell grants, many families here are counting on technical credentials to launch stable careers. This program eventually gets graduates to respectable earnings, but the rough first few years—combined with monthly loan payments—make it a high-risk path compared to stronger-performing associate's programs nearby. If your child can access a SUNY or CUNY alternative, the higher starting salary makes the transition to work significantly smoother.