Computer and Information Sciences at University at Albany

University at Albany's Computer Science program starts students at below-market salaries—nearly $12,000 less than the typical New York CS graduate—but the strong 39% earnings growth suggests graduates gain valuable skills on the job. The $49,759 starting salary ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of New York CS programs launch graduates into better-paying positions. Compare this to SUNY Stony Brook, where CS graduates start at $90,673, or even mid-tier programs statewide that hover around $62,000.

The moderate debt load of $23,250 keeps this affordable in absolute terms, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5. By year four, when earnings reach $69,386, graduates are approaching market rates—though still trailing the state median. For families paying in-state tuition at a SUNY school, this represents reasonable value despite the slow start. The 70% admission rate and significant Pell population (42%) suggest accessibility is part of the mission here.

The key question is whether your student can weather those first few years of below-market earnings. If they're comparing Albany to other SUNY options or private schools with similar sticker prices, Stony Brook's significantly stronger outcomes deserve consideration. Albany works best for students prioritizing affordability and state residency who understand they'll likely need to job-hop or develop additional skills to reach competitive salary levels.