Computer and Information Sciences at New York University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
NYU's computer science program delivers exceptional early-career earnings that rank in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among New York programs—impressive given the state's competitive tech landscape. First-year graduates earn $87,608, jumping 48% to $129,248 by year four, substantially outpacing both the national median ($61,322) and New York median ($62,592) for computer science programs.
The debt picture tells an equally compelling story. At $19,734, student debt runs significantly below both national ($25,000) and state ($24,720) medians for this field, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.23. This means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with less than three months of their starting salary—a remarkably strong financial position for launching a tech career.
While NYU trails elite competitors like Barnard and Cornell in starting salaries, the combination of strong earnings and manageable debt makes this program a solid investment. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than outliers. For families willing to navigate NYU's competitive 9% admission rate, this program offers a clear path to financial success in the lucrative computer science field.
Where New York University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How New York University graduates compare to all programs nationally
New York University graduates earn $88k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (68 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | $87,608 | $129,248 | $19,734 | 0.23 |
| Barnard College | $107,434 | — | $19,000 | 0.18 |
| Cornell University | $103,650 | $118,342 | $15,500 | 0.15 |
| Stony Brook University | $90,673 | $121,708 | $16,868 | 0.19 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $85,172 | — | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| Syracuse University | $82,378 | — | $27,000 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College New York | $66,246 | $107,434 | $19,000 |
| Cornell University Ithaca | $66,014 | $103,650 | $15,500 |
| Stony Brook University Stony Brook | $10,560 | $90,673 | $16,868 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy | $61,884 | $85,172 | $27,000 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $82,378 | $27,000 |
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 New York University, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 349 graduates with reported earnings and 309 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.