Computer and Information Sciences at New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University's computer science program starts graduates at just $41,876—roughly $20,000 below both the state and national medians for this degree. To put that in perspective, this program ranks in the 10th percentile among New Jersey CS programs, where top performers like Rutgers and The College of New Jersey launch graduates at nearly double these earnings. In a high-cost state like New Jersey, that first-year salary creates real financial pressure even though debt loads here are manageable at $19,500.

The silver lining is substantial earnings growth: graduates see a 48% increase by year four, reaching $62,069. That's closer to competitive, though still trailing the state median. This pattern suggests the program may provide adequate foundational skills but lacks the recruitment pipelines or reputation that land graduates in stronger starting positions. For a family weighing options, the question becomes whether starting $20K behind peers is worth the lower sticker price, especially when nearby Rutgers campuses offer dramatically better outcomes.

Given that 52% of students here receive Pell grants, this program likely serves students with fewer alternatives. If your child has the academic profile to gain admission elsewhere (89% acceptance rate suggests minimal selectivity), exploring other New Jersey public options would be prudent. The debt is reasonable, but you're essentially banking on your child's ability to catch up earnings-wise during those crucial early career years.