Computer and Information Sciences at Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State's computer science program punches significantly above its weight class. With first-year earnings of $77,969, graduates from this 81%-admission-rate public university are out-earning 90% of computer science programs nationally and landing just slightly above Connecticut's median—despite competing against programs like Yale ($133,293). The $24,125 in typical debt represents just four months of starting salary, one of the healthiest debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in tech education.

The catch here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. What doesn't shift is the fundamental value proposition—paying public school tuition for outcomes that rival flagship state programs (Western Connecticut grads earn essentially the same as UConn grads). For Connecticut families, that's compelling: similar career launch at likely lower total cost of attendance.

The practical takeaway? If your child can handle the coursework and isn't fixated on brand-name prestige, this program delivers legitimate results. Those starting salaries put graduates in strong position to tackle any student debt quickly while building toward six-figure mid-career earnings typical in software development. Just verify that the program still maintains its employer connections—with smaller cohorts, internship pipelines and career services matter more than at large programs.