Computer and Information Sciences at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State's computer science program produces graduates earning $39,279 in their first year—significantly below both the Ohio state median ($49,837) and the national average ($61,322). At the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile within Ohio, this ranks among the weakest tech programs in a state with strong alternatives like Ohio State ($82,448) and Cincinnati ($69,548).

The $31,000 debt load matches Ohio's median for this program, but paired with below-average starting salaries, it creates a tougher financial picture than most CS graduates face. While earnings do climb 23% to $48,308 by year four, that's still $13,000 below what the typical Ohio CS graduate earns right out of college. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 isn't alarming on its own, but it reflects the program's core challenge: launching graduates into lower-paying tech roles when the field typically offers strong entry-level compensation.

For families targeting computer science specifically, this data suggests exploring other Ohio public options first. Students admitted here (80% acceptance rate, 1055 average SAT) would likely qualify for programs showing stronger employment outcomes. If location or personal circumstances make Youngstown State the best fit, students should plan to supplement their education with internships and projects that help them compete for higher-paying positions—because this program's typical graduate starts well behind their in-state and national peers.