Computer and Information Sciences at William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson's computer science program starts graduates at just $42,552—roughly $20,000 below both the state and national median for this degree. Among New Jersey's 23 computer science programs, this ranks in the bottom 10th percentile for early earnings, trailing not just the Rutgers campuses (all around $80,000) but also the state median by over $21,000. That's a significant disadvantage in a field where first-year salary typically determines your career trajectory and negotiating power.

The program's saving grace is dramatic earnings growth: graduates see their income jump 74% by year four, reaching $73,887. That's respectable recovery, though still behind top state programs. The debt load of $26,750 is reasonable relative to that four-year number, resulting in manageable payments once earnings catch up. However, this pattern—low initial salary followed by strong growth—creates real challenges. Your child would likely face tight finances during those crucial first years when many peers are building savings and paying down loans aggressively.

The numbers suggest William Paterson serves its mission (44% Pell grant recipients, 93% admission rate) but doesn't provide the immediate earning power that makes computer science attractive. If your child needs strong starting income to manage debt or support themselves, the state's median-performing programs would serve them better. If they can weather lower early earnings—perhaps with family support—the eventual salary becomes acceptable, though still not exceptional for the field.