Computer Science at Touro University

A $61,000 starting salary for computer science falls well below what most New York tech employers pay—the state median for CS graduates is $74,515, and top programs routinely place students above $95,000. While debt appears manageable at an estimated $21,000 (based on similar programs at Touro), the earnings gap is the real concern. In one of the nation's most competitive tech markets, this program lands in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of CS programs in New York produce better first-year outcomes.

The challenge here isn't the debt burden—a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable. It's that computer science is one of the few fields where credential quality directly impacts starting compensation. New York City tech companies actively recruit from schools like Cornell, Columbia, and even SUNY programs, all of which show significantly stronger placement. Similar programs in the state suggest Touro graduates may be competing for positions that don't leverage the full value of a CS degree, whether due to network effects, recruiting patterns, or curriculum differences.

For a field where first-job placement often determines career trajectory, this gap matters. If your child is committed to Touro for other reasons—location, community, cost structure—the CS degree can still open doors, but they should plan to supplement with strong internships and independent projects. Otherwise, consider whether other New York programs might offer better return on the same investment.