STEM
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STEM
Computer Science
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Computer Science
Wondering whether Computer Science is worth studying? What matters is what graduates actually earn, where they end up working, and which colleges produce the most of them. Most graduates end up in this field, so it is worth knowing what a Computer & Information Systems Manager earns and how the role is projected to grow.
Software, AI, cybersecurity, and data science, the field with the highest starting salaries and fastest hiring growth of any major in America. Four years after finishing the degree, graduates in this field earn a national median of $92,374, per College Scorecard. You can study it at 2,632 colleges and universities across the country, so location is rarely the limiting factor. About 293,518 students complete a degree in this area every year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $62,562
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $92,374
- Colleges Offering
- 2,632
- Graduates / Year
- 293,518
- Specializations
- 11
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $22,234
Is a Computer Science Degree Right for You?
$92,374
Median earnings · 4yr
+15.8%
10yr job growth
11
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~1.4
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $92,374 against an estimated $88,936 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Computer Science Majors Earn?
Pay for Computer Science graduates climbs fast in the first few years out. The median start is $62,562 one year after graduation, rising to $92,374 by year four, so the early salary is not the ceiling. Source: College Scorecard, across all 2,632 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$62,562
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$92,374
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$87,413
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Computer Science specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $107,009/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $58,894/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$58,894
Lowest
$92,374
Median
$107,009
Highest
What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
Career Paths for Computer Science Graduates
Studying Computer Science does not lock you into one job title. It opens 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from entry-level roles to senior ones, and Computer & Information Systems Manager pays the most among them at a median $175,140 a year. Each row below adds national wages, employment levels, and the 10-year growth outlook so you can weigh the rest.
Another common path leads to what a Computer & Information Research Scientist typically earns and how the field is trending.
Computer & Information Systems Manager
Bachelor's degree
$175,140
↗ +15.8% growth
Computer & Information Research Scientist
Master's degree
$140,300
↗ +21.8% growth
Database Architects
Bachelor's degree
$139,500
↗ +9.4% growth
Software Developer
Bachelor's degree
$135,980
↗ +10.2% growth
Computer Network Architect
Bachelor's degree
$134,050
↗ +7.7% growth
Information Security Analyst
Bachelor's degree
$129,180
↗ +21.0% growth
Data Scientist
Bachelor's degree
$120,230
↗ +34.6% growth
Computer Systems Analyst
Bachelor's degree
$105,850
↗ +7.9% growth
Computer Science Specializations
Which specialization you pick inside Computer Science matters more than usual here. Computer Science breaks into 12 specializations, and four-year earnings swing from $58,894 to $107,009 depending on which one you choose. Each row below links to a full program profile, sorted highest-paying first. Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying specialization is the cost and outcomes for a Computer Science program, which is worth a closer look before settling on the broader field.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Computer Science
These are the 20 colleges that graduate the most students in Computer Science, ranked by how many completed the degree in the most recent reporting year, not by selectivity or prestige. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate for each one come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
By that measure, the list starts with the cost and admissions data for Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus.
1
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
Acceptance
14.1%
Net price/yr
$12,116
Earnings 10yr
$102,772
Grad rate
80%
2
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Nonprofit
Acceptance
99.5%
Net price/yr
$36,708
Earnings 10yr
$50,318
Grad rate
30%
3
New York University
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.2%
Net price/yr
$37,050
Earnings 10yr
$82,509
Grad rate
76%
4
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
Acceptance
11%
Net price/yr
$13,481
Earnings 10yr
$92,446
Grad rate
74%
5
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX · Public
Acceptance
65.1%
Net price/yr
$18,267
Earnings 10yr
$68,227
Grad rate
67%
6
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
11.7%
Net price/yr
$31,944
Earnings 10yr
$114,862
Grad rate
84%
7
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.8%
Net price/yr
$32,740
Earnings 10yr
$92,498
Grad rate
88%
8
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
Acceptance
42.4%
Net price/yr
$14,355
Earnings 10yr
$81,054
Grad rate
82%
9
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
10
MyComputerCareer at Columbus
Columbus, OH · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$25,970
Earnings 10yr
$43,409
Grad rate
54%
11
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
Acceptance
15.6%
Net price/yr
$13,138
Earnings 10yr
$83,648
Grad rate
90%
12
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
Acceptance
39.2%
Net price/yr
$14,091
Earnings 10yr
$78,466
Grad rate
73%
13
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
4%
Net price/yr
$21,590
Earnings 10yr
$102,491
Grad rate
79%
14
University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
Acceptance
72.2%
Net price/yr
$15,649
Earnings 10yr
$57,010
Grad rate
57%
15
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
Acceptance
44.8%
Net price/yr
$15,678
Earnings 10yr
$82,860
Grad rate
76%
16
DeVry University-Illinois
Lisle, IL · For-Profit
Acceptance
98.4%
Net price/yr
$30,770
Earnings 10yr
$45,987
Grad rate
20%
17
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
5.2%
Net price/yr
$30,915
Earnings 10yr
$92,538
Grad rate
69%
18
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO · Public
Acceptance
63.8%
Net price/yr
$14,462
Earnings 10yr
$49,560
Grad rate
51%
19
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
Acceptance
60.6%
Net price/yr
$32,875
Earnings 10yr
$63,435
Grad rate
61%
20
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
Acceptance
87.5%
Net price/yr
$17,915
Earnings 10yr
$76,343
Grad rate
74%
Ranked by number of Computer Science graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Computer Science Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Computer Science degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Computer Science degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Computer Science Degree: Pros & Cons
On the numbers that matter most financially, Computer Science beats most other majors: earnings are strong and the career field is growing. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are pulled from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS data, not editorial scoring.
PROS
- Strong median salary Graduates earn a national median of $92,374 four years after graduation, above most major categories.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +34.6% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Data Scientist.
- Wide availability Offered at 2,632 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $107,009, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
CONS
- Highly competitive job market Approximately 293,518 students graduate in this field each year, one of the highest volumes among all majors.
Computer Science Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Computer Science graduates earn?
$92,374 a year four years after finishing the degree. That is the national median, so half of graduates earn more and half earn less, and specialization, institution, and region move the number a lot. Use the specializations table on this page to see which tracks pay above and below it. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for a Computer Science degree?
About $62,562 in the first year out, at the institutional level. That is an early number, not a ceiling, and it moves with employer, location, and which specialization within Computer Science you picked. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with a Computer Science degree?
More than one path, so the degree does not lock you into a single title. Computer & Information Systems Manager pays the most among related roles, at a median $175,140 a year nationally, but it is one option among several. See the Career Paths section on this page for the full list with employment levels and 10-year growth projections. Source: BLS.
How many colleges offer Computer Science?
2,632 colleges and universities in the United States, so location is rarely the limiting factor. Options run from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs, so the harder choice is which type of school fits, not whether one is nearby. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume. Source: IPEDS.
Is a Computer Science degree worth it?
For most students, yes, though the margin depends on which specialization and school you pick. Median 4-year earnings run $92,374 against an average net price of roughly $22,234 a year across institutions that offer this major, and high-earning specializations widen that gap considerably. Compare your specific program before assuming the average applies to you.
How long does it take to earn a Computer Science degree?
Four years for a bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the normal full-time pace, or two years for an associate version at a community college. Part-time or online study stretches that timeline out, and transfer credits can shorten it.
What skills do employers look for in Computer Science graduates?
Employers hiring Computer Science graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, data interpretation, and problem-solving. Strong foundational skills in math, science, or programming are expected, and employers often prioritize candidates with internship or research experience.
Is graduate school worth it for Computer Science graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000–$40,000 to long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Computer Science graduates?
Outlook is strong: related occupations project an average of +16.1% growth over the next decade. Data Scientist leads the group at +34.6%. Demand still swings by specialization, employer sector, and region, so treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Source: BLS.
Related Findings
-
All 38 Majors, Ranked by What Graduates Earn
The highest-earning college major out-pays the lowest by a factor of two and a half. The full ranking of all 38 fields by median graduate earnings, with job growth alongside.
- Major earnings
- Highest paying majors
- Job growth
- STEM
- Field of study
-
STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
- STEM earnings
- Engineering pay
- Computer science
- Program earnings
- Major choice
-
The Best Major Out-Earns the Worst by 2.5 to 1
The top-paying major returns $93,843 a decade out. The bottom returns $36,949. The gap is 2.5x, and the two ends share almost nothing in common.
- Major earnings
- Engineering tech
- Library science
- Earnings gap
- Field of study
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