<p>I've looked at some of those salary website and asked around and it seems like the consensus is that you will get between $70k-$80k since your two years in grad school is seen as two years of working experience. Starting salary average for those with a BS in CS in around $60k I heard? Does this sound right? I just wanted to get additional opinions about this.</p>
<p>Also would someone graduating from a much lower ranked school be that much at a disadvantage?</p>
<p>60k$ is pretty much on the money</p>
<p>I would aim for $70K and no you are not at that much of a disadvantage. Software is one of those things where you can build up a portfolio of things you’ve worked on not only in class but outside of it as well. If you show that you have some programming skills and interest in the field by contributing to some open source program, writing clever applications, etc. you will be leagues beyond the guy who goes to a top 10 school but doesn’t care.</p>
<p>@PurdueEE
Thanks this is the information I was seeking. At least in my opinion I feel that employers should evaluate you based on what you know rather than the school you went to. Just because you went to a good school doesn’t mean you know more than the guy that went to a Tier 2 ranked school although I agree it increases their chances. I hate how b-school and law school evaluate you this way: it is all about the reputation of the school and the numbers you can provide them.</p>
<p>I really like you idea of contributing to an Open Source project. Just curious, but do you know how employers would view someone who developed a highly successful website (not matter how immoral it is)?</p>
<p>What kind of website are we talking about? It could be a big benefit… but if it’s porn related it will require careful handling with regards as to how you mention it.</p>