Computer and Information Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University's Computer Science program lands in the bottom quarter of Connecticut options—and in a state with strong tech opportunities, that positioning matters. While the $58,480 starting salary looks reasonable in isolation, it trails the Connecticut median for CS programs by over $17,000. Graduates here earn less than peers at Western Connecticut State or any of the UConn campuses, and roughly half what Yale CS graduates make.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $28,500, it's manageable relative to starting earnings (0.49 ratio), and the 23% earnings growth to $72,091 by year four shows the degree gains value over time. The relatively low admission selectivity (81%) and high Pell Grant enrollment (37%) suggest this program serves students who might not access Connecticut's more competitive tech programs. For families focused on affordability and access, that matters.

The bottom line: this is a functional path into tech work, not a premium one. If your child has admission offers from UConn or Western Connecticut State, those would deliver better earnings outcomes. But if Southern Connecticut State offers the most accessible entry point into a CS career—whether due to location, admission requirements, or financial aid—the debt load won't be crushing, and mid-career earnings approach the national median. Just understand you're paying similar debt for below-average Connecticut outcomes.