Computer Programming at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT's Computer Programming program delivers exceptional returns that outpace nearly every competitor in both New York and nationally. At $83,875 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly 30% more than the New York state median and an impressive 67% more than the national median for this degree. Among New York's eight programs, RIT ranks in the 80th percentile—and nationally, it beats 95% of comparable programs.

The debt burden of $27,000 is reasonable given these earnings, resulting in a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.32. While debt sits slightly above the state median, it's manageable—graduates could theoretically pay it off in about four months of gross salary. The only mild concern is that RIT's debt runs somewhat higher than other New York programs (69th percentile nationally), but the earnings premium more than compensates for this difference.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, this is a straightforward decision. RIT's tech-focused reputation translates into real marketplace value, with graduates commanding salaries that quickly justify the investment. The 71% admission rate also makes this accessible to strong students who might not qualify for more selective programs with similar outcomes.