Computer and Information Sciences at University of Connecticut-Avery Point

UConn Avery Point's computer science program punches well above its weight. With an 87% admission rate and moderate SAT scores, this isn't a selective campus—yet graduates earn $75,649 their first year, placing them in the 84th percentile nationally and matching the earnings at UConn's flagship campus. The debt burden is notably light at $19,591, roughly $5,400 below the national median for CS programs. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in three months of work.

The trajectory looks strong too. By year four, median earnings jump to over $100,000—a 33% increase that suggests these graduates are securing solid tech positions and advancing quickly. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within Connecticut (where Yale's $133,000 outcomes skew the curve), it delivers identical results to the main UConn campus at what's likely a more accessible entry point for many students.

For families seeking a practical path into tech careers without gambling on admission to highly selective programs, this represents excellent value. The combination of strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and impressive earnings growth makes the investment straightforward to justify, particularly for Connecticut residents paying in-state tuition.