Computer and Information Sciences at Utica University

Computer and information sciences programs in New York show dramatic earning disparities—from Cornell's $103,650 down to well under $50,000 at some schools—making program choice critical. Based on peer institutions in the state, Utica graduates might expect around $62,600 in first-year earnings with roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: you'd be looking at monthly loan payments around $300 on a typical ten-year plan, consuming less than 6% of gross income.

The challenge is that these estimates place Utica squarely at the state median while elite New York tech programs report outcomes 40-70% higher. With an 87% admission rate and average SAT of 1130, Utica serves a different student population than Cornell or NYU, so expecting similar outcomes wouldn't be realistic. But peer programs at similar schools suggest graduates should find entry-level tech positions paying enough to handle the debt comfortably—the field itself remains strong, with consistent demand for software developers and IT professionals across upstate New York.

The key question is whether your child can leverage the degree effectively: securing internships, building a portfolio, and targeting employers who care more about skills than pedigree. If they're self-directed enough to do that legwork, the estimated debt burden shouldn't prevent financial independence. If they need substantial hand-holding or lack genuine interest in coding and technical problem-solving, the outcome could drift below these peer-based projections.