Analysis
Computer Science programs in New York span an enormous range—from Cornell's $153,000 first-year salaries down to much more modest outcomes at smaller schools. For SUNY Fredonia, we're working with estimates derived from similar programs across the state, which suggest first-year earnings around $75,000 and debt near $14,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 would be excellent if the actual numbers align with these projections—significantly better than the national median debt of $23,000 for this major.
The challenge is uncertainty. While these estimates suggest SUNY Fredonia would deliver competitive earnings at the state median while keeping debt manageable, we don't have this specific campus's track record to confirm it. The school's 79% admission rate and accessible profile suggest a very different student body than Rochester Institute of Technology (which produces $95,000 earners) or the elite programs topping $100,000. That doesn't mean outcomes will necessarily lag—Computer Science skills translate across institutions—but it does mean there's less margin for error in program quality, career services, or employer connections.
If these estimates hold true, this represents solid value: competitive tech-sector earnings without the debt burden many programs carry. But without actual graduate outcomes from Fredonia's CS program, you're accepting more risk than you would at schools with proven placement records.
Where SUNY at Fredonia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,771 | $74,515* | — | $13,500* | — | |
| $66,014 | $152,656* | $185,679 | $14,698* | 0.10 | |
| $69,045 | $118,636* | $160,457 | $20,397* | 0.17 | |
| $61,884 | $104,943* | $129,412 | $23,250* | 0.22 | |
| $64,348 | $99,878* | $136,559 | $19,000* | 0.19 | |
| $57,016 | $94,611* | $125,429 | $27,000* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At SUNY at Fredonia, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 20 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.