Computer Science at Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Computer Science graduates earn $99,007 in their first year—nearly $40,000 above the national median for CS programs. That's exceptional value by any measure, though within New Jersey's competitive tech landscape, it's closer to the state median. Still, Stevens holds its own against Princeton (where grads earn $146,624) and dramatically outperforms other Jersey schools like Drew ($47,689).

The $27,000 median debt is surprisingly manageable for a private technical university, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27. Graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross salary, and earnings climb steadily to $117,107 by year four. That 18% growth trajectory suggests Stevens grads aren't just landing good first jobs—they're building careers with real advancement potential.

The 60th state percentile ranking might seem modest, but context matters: New Jersey hosts some of the country's highest-earning CS programs, including Princeton. Being middle-of-the-pack in this state still means outperforming 95% of CS programs nationally. For families weighing a private school premium, Stevens delivers clear returns—strong starting salaries, reasonable debt, and proximity to New York City's tech sector. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and the overall package makes this a solid investment for students serious about tech careers.