Computer and Information Sciences at Yale University

Yale's Computer Science graduates earn nearly double the Connecticut median—$133,293 in their first year versus the state's typical $75,649—and that gap only widens over time. By year four, median earnings reach $203,685, a 53% jump that reflects rapid advancement in competitive tech markets. With minimal debt averaging $12,750 (about half Connecticut's median for this program), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.10, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about six weeks of work.

The real surprise here is how dramatically Yale outperforms even strong state options. While Western Connecticut State produces respectable outcomes at $77,969, Yale graduates earn 71% more straight out of college. This isn't just the Ivy League premium—it's access to elite recruiting pipelines that funnel graduates into top-tier tech companies and quantitative finance roles where six-figure starting salaries are standard.

The catch is getting in: with a 5% admission rate and an average SAT of 1534, this program is effectively off-limits to most students. But for families whose children can clear that bar, the financial math is unambiguous. The combination of low debt, exceptional starting salaries, and strong earnings trajectory makes this one of the highest-returning CS programs in the country.