Computer and Information Sciences at Syracuse University

Syracuse University's computer science program demonstrates why paying premium tuition at a private university can sometimes make financial sense. Graduates earn $82,378 within their first year—nearly $20,000 more than both the national and New York state medians for CS programs. This places Syracuse in the 80th percentile among New York schools, trailing only elite institutions like Cornell, Barnard, and Stony Brook, while beating out NYU and RPI. The $27,000 median debt is modest for a private university, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33—meaning graduates can expect to pay off their loans in less than four months of work.

The real value here is access to Syracuse's strong tech recruiting pipeline without the crushing debt often associated with private universities. While the program costs more than SUNY alternatives, the earnings premium appears to justify it, particularly for students who don't gain admission to more selective options like Cornell. The 95th percentile national ranking confirms this isn't just a New York phenomenon—Syracuse CS grads compete effectively nationwide.

For families weighing the higher sticker price, the combination of strong starting salaries and manageable debt creates a favorable investment, especially compared to paying similar tuition at schools where CS graduates earn closer to the $60,000 range. Just verify your family's actual net cost after financial aid, as only 16% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting limited institutional aid for middle-income families.