Computer Science at University at Buffalo

UB's Computer Science program delivers strong earnings growth—graduates start at $72,283 and reach $95,015 by year four, a 31% jump that outpaces many peer programs. The debt load of $20,500 is manageable, putting this program in a sweet spot: you're borrowing less than the typical CS graduate nationally while earning slightly above the national median. The 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross salary.

The caveat is New York context. At the 40th percentile statewide, UB sits in the middle of the pack among New York's CS programs—well behind elite options like Cornell or RPI, but ahead of many smaller schools. New York's tech market is competitive, and while UB grads do fine nationally, they're not commanding the premium salaries that come from the state's top-tier programs. That said, UB's 69% admission rate makes it far more accessible than those elite alternatives, and the 32% Pell grant population suggests it serves students who might not have other pathways into tech.

For families prioritizing affordability and solid outcomes over prestige, this is defensible: reasonable debt, above-average starting salary, and clear earnings trajectory. Just understand your child will likely need to hustle a bit more for top-tier positions than graduates from New York's most competitive programs.