Computer and Information Sciences at State University of New York at Plattsburgh

SUNY Plattsburgh's computer science program graduates earn roughly $12,000 less than the typical New York tech graduate—a significant gap in a state with dozens of strong programs. First-year earnings of $50,291 place this program in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of New York computer science programs deliver better starting salaries. Even four years out, graduates earn $57,401, still trailing the state median by about $5,000. For a field where location and network matter tremendously, this regional SUNY campus struggles to match the outcomes of programs closer to New York's major tech hubs.

The debt picture offers modest relief: at $23,375, it's slightly below both state and national averages, creating a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio. The 14% earnings growth over four years shows graduates do gain ground, though they're starting from a lower base. For families keeping a tight budget, this represents an affordable entry point into tech—your student will graduate without crushing debt and with real earning potential.

The calculation here is straightforward: if your child can gain admission to higher-ranked SUNY schools like Stony Brook (which generates nearly $91,000 in early earnings) or secure scholarships elsewhere, those options likely offer better returns. But if Plattsburgh's acceptance rate and lower cost of attendance make it the most realistic path to a CS degree, the debt burden won't derail their career, even with below-average starting pay.