Computer and Information Sciences at St Lawrence University

St. Lawrence's computer science graduates command nearly $73K straight out of school—putting them in the top quarter nationally and comfortably above New York's median for this degree. That's particularly notable for a liberal arts college in rural upstate New York, where you might not expect tech salaries to compete with programs near major metros.

The $25,000 median debt matches national norms, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. Graduates could realistically pay off their loans in under a year if they committed half their salary to it. While this program doesn't reach the elite levels of Cornell or NYU (both above $100K), it significantly outperforms New York's state median of $62,600—suggesting St. Lawrence's smaller classes and personalized attention translate into tangible career outcomes.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual results may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for families considering a liberal arts environment that delivers competitive tech-sector earnings without crushing debt, St. Lawrence appears to thread that needle successfully. The combination of strong placement and reasonable borrowing makes this a solid option, especially if the small-college experience appeals to your student.