Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services at Syracuse University

Syracuse's post-bac certificate in computer science lands graduates at $93,055 within a year—impressive earnings for a certificate program, especially with just $25,074 in debt. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly three months' salary, making this one of the more financially efficient pathways into tech you'll find. With only five schools nationwide offering this specific credential, you're looking at a relatively exclusive option that's performing at the top tier nationally.

Here's the interesting wrinkle: while this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among New York programs. That's not a red flag—it reflects New York's exceptionally strong computer science market, where even "middle of the pack" means excellent outcomes. The real story is the debt figure: ranking in the 5th percentile nationally means 95% of comparable programs leave students with more debt. For a career-switcher or someone adding technical credentials to an existing degree, that's a powerful combination.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reliable without being overwhelmingly common. For parents concerned about funding a credential program, this delivers immediate earning power without the debt burden of a full master's degree. It's a targeted investment with a clear payoff timeline.