[karlding]

As a data point, the University of Waterloo releases data about hourly earnings for students enrolled in the co-op program. The first co-op term for students in Mathematics (the faculty Computer Science is under) is typically taken after completing 2-3 semesters of schooling.

According to the data for students doing internships in the United States, the average first year Computer Science (or more accurate, first year Faculty of Mathematics) student is making $30.57 USD an hour [0]. However, going to the States is typically a function of one's experience, and so this is more common in upper years.

If you take the average for work terms in Canada, the average first year (or more accurately, first year Faculty of Mathematics student) makes $18.84 CAD [1].

[0] https://uwaterloo.ca/co-operative-education/about-co-op/co-o...

[1] https://uwaterloo.ca/co-operative-education/about-co-op/co-o...

[DonaldPShimoda]

It's worth noting that Waterloo is probably the #1 undergraduate program (at least in North America) in terms of industry placement and co-op programs. Their students are heavily sought-after.

(This doesn't disqualify any of what you said; it's just worth pointing out for those who are unfamiliar with the program.)