Computer and Information Sciences at Northeastern University

Northeastern's Computer Science program stands at the pinnacle of the field, delivering median starting salaries of $115,587 that place graduates in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Massachusetts—a state already known for strong tech opportunities. To put this in perspective, these graduates earn nearly double the national median for computer science majors ($61,322) and significantly outpace even Massachusetts' strong state median of $72,227. Among the 24 computer science programs in Massachusetts, this ties for the top spot.

The financial picture is exceptionally strong. With median debt of just $23,001—below both national and state averages for the field—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of only 0.20, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross earnings. Earnings continue growing robustly, reaching $132,227 by year four, a 14% increase that suggests strong career trajectory rather than early plateau.

The premium reflects Northeastern's elite status (6% admission rate, 1505 average SAT) and renowned co-op program, which gives students real-world experience that clearly translates into employer demand. For families who can secure admission and afford the investment, this program offers one of the clearest paths to high-paying tech careers available anywhere in the country.