Computer Science at Princeton University

Princeton's computer science graduates earn $146,624 in their first year—nearly double the state median and more than twice the national benchmark. While debt figures are estimated from similar elite institutions (around $25,000), the earnings advantage is so substantial that the debt-to-earnings ratio comes out to just 0.17, among the lowest you'll find for any bachelor's program.

The core question is whether the premium over other New Jersey options justifies Princeton's 5% admission rate and intense competition. Stevens Institute graduates start at $99,007—still excellent earnings, but $47,000 less annually than Princeton's figure suggests. That gap likely reflects both Princeton's brand power in tech recruiting and the caliber of students it attracts (average SAT of 1535). Top tech companies recruit heavily from Princeton, and the network effects compound over time in ways first-year earnings only begin to capture.

For families who can secure admission and find the financial aid package manageable, this represents one of the safest bets in higher education. The estimated debt load is modest for any bachelor's degree, let alone one commanding six-figure starting salaries. The real barriers here aren't financial risk—they're getting accepted and determining whether Princeton's academic intensity suits your child's learning style.