Analysis
Computer Science programs in New York span an enormous range—from Cornell grads earning $150,000+ to more modest outcomes at regional institutions. For Wagner College, we're working with estimates drawn from similar programs across the state, which suggest first-year earnings around $74,500 and debt near $21,000. These figures track closely with New York's median for CS bachelor's programs and slightly exceed the national benchmark of $71,000, positioning the estimated outcomes in reasonable territory for the credential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 looks manageable on paper, suggesting graduates could handle loan payments without severe financial strain. However, the limited data here means we can't verify whether Wagner's specific program—with its open admissions profile and $1.2 million annual price tag for a small CS cohort—actually delivers these outcomes. The absence of reportable data often signals very small graduating classes, which can mean less established industry connections or less robust infrastructure than programs producing dozens of graduates annually.
The practical question is whether your child can access the higher-earning tier that New York's tech sector makes possible. Wagner's 83% admission rate and modest SAT average suggest it's more accessible than the state's powerhouse programs, but that comes with uncertainty about placement outcomes. If your student has competitive credentials, comparing actual job placement data and internship pipelines across several NY programs would clarify whether Wagner's specific pathway justifies the investment.
Where Wagner College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,000 | $74,515* | — | $21,000* | — | |
| $66,014 | $152,656* | $185,679 | $14,698* | 0.10 | |
| $69,045 | $118,636* | $160,457 | $20,397* | 0.17 | |
| $61,884 | $104,943* | $129,412 | $23,250* | 0.22 | |
| $64,348 | $99,878* | $136,559 | $19,000* | 0.19 | |
| $57,016 | $94,611* | $125,429 | $27,000* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wagner College, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 20 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.