Computer and Information Sciences at St. John's University-New York

St. John's computer science graduates start behind their New York peers—earning $52,422 initially ranks this program in just the 25th percentile statewide, roughly $10,000 below the state median. That's a significant gap in a region known for strong tech salaries, and it places this program closer to the bottom quarter of options in New York rather than the middle of the pack.

The silver lining is genuine earnings growth: salaries jump 41% to nearly $74,000 by year four, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in the market. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that won't derail financial stability. Still, even after that growth, graduates remain below what many peers at schools like Stony Brook or NYU earn right out of the gate.

For families paying private university tuition in New York, this presents a challenging value equation. Your child would graduate with manageable debt but trailing most comparable programs in the state. If St. John's offers merit aid that brings costs down substantially, the math improves. Otherwise, a SUNY option might deliver better initial placement without the premium price tag.