Computer Science.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Computer Science. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 34.1%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Computer Science. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $67638 and average student debt of $23065, the financial outlook for Computer Science. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Computer Science. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $67638, and the average student debt is $23065, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.34—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 72693 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Computer Science. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Computer Science (CIP 11.0701) is a program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Unlike information technology (IT), which focuses on the maintenance of existing systems, Computer Science is about the fundamental principles of computation and the creation of new software-based solutions.
This degree is ideal for students who enjoy logic, complex puzzles, and building digital tools from scratch. It is the academic foundation for the global tech industry, providing the skills needed to develop everything from mobile applications to artificial intelligence systems.
What Is a Computer Science Degree?
A Computer Science degree focuses on how computers process information and how to write the instructions (code) that control them. The curriculum balances high-level theory—such as the mathematical limits of what a computer can do—with practical application, such as building web servers or mobile apps.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Provide a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture
- Teach multiple programming paradigms (e.g., Object-Oriented, Functional)
- Explore the relationship between hardware and software
- Establish a foundation for specialized research in fields like Machine Learning or Robotics
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to break down massive, real-world problems into small, logical steps that a computer can execute efficiently.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Write clean, maintainable code in languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript
- Analyze algorithms to determine the most efficient way to sort or search data
- Understand how operating systems manage memory and hardware resources
- Design and query databases to store and retrieve large amounts of information
- Apply principles of software engineering to work on large-scale team projects
- Implement security protocols to protect data and systems
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program and your chosen track, coursework often includes:
- Data Structures and Algorithms: The "building blocks" of all software.
- Discrete Mathematics: The logic and set theory that underpins computing.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Building systems that can learn and reason.
- Computer Architecture: How a computer’s CPU and memory actually work.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting systems from unauthorized access or attack.
- Theory of Computation: The mathematical study of what can and cannot be computed.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Computer Science degree is one of the most versatile in the modern economy, with graduates in high demand across nearly every industry.
Common job roles include:
- Software Developer/Engineer: Designing and building software applications.
- Data Scientist: Analyzing complex data sets to solve business problems.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting an organization's digital assets.
- Systems Architect: Designing the high-level structure of complex IT systems.
- AI/Machine Learning Engineer: Developing systems that learn from data.
- Full-Stack Web Developer: Building both the front-end (visuals) and back-end (logic) of websites.
Where Can You Work?
Computer scientists are needed wherever digital technology is integral to the mission:
- Big Tech Companies: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.
- Financial Services: Banks and trading firms developing secure, high-speed platforms.
- Healthcare: Building software for medical imaging and patient record management.
- Entertainment: Game studios, streaming services, and animation houses.
- Government & Defense: Protecting national infrastructure and developing new technologies.
- Startups: Creating disruptive new products in small, high-energy teams.
How Much Can You Earn?
Computer Science consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying majors for new graduates.
- Software Developers: Median annual salary of approximately $127,000–$131,000.
- Information Security Analysts: Median annual salary of around $120,000.
- Data Scientists: Median annual salary of roughly $103,000–$108,000.
- Computer Systems Analysts: Median annual salary of about $102,000.
Entry-level roles often start between $75,000 and $95,000, with significant increases as you gain experience and specialize.
Is This Degree Hard?
Computer Science is a rigorous major. It is very math-intensive, requiring several semesters of calculus, discrete math, and statistics. The "difficulty" often comes from the persistence needed for debugging—spending hours tracking down a single error in code requires high levels of patience and abstract thinking.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
- Associate Degrees (A.S.): Focus on entry-level programming and transfer prep.
- Bachelor’s Degrees (B.S./B.A.): The standard requirement for most developer and engineering roles.
- Master’s Degrees (M.S.): Used to specialize in high-demand fields like AI or Cybersecurity.
- Bootcamps: Intensive, short-term programs (3–6 months) focusing purely on practical coding skills.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love solving puzzles and logical challenges
- Enjoy building things and seeing the immediate results of your code
- Are comfortable with math and abstract concepts
- Are prepared for a career of constant learning as technology evolves
- Want a high-paying career with the potential for remote work
How to Prepare in High School
- Take advanced Math classes (Calculus, Statistics, or Trigonometry)
- Enroll in AP Computer Science (A or Principles)
- Experiment with free online coding resources like Codecademy or FreeCodeCamp
- Join a robotics club or coding team to practice collaborative problem-solving
- Work on a personal project, such as building a simple game or website
A logical mind, a growth mindset, and the ability to handle frustration are the most important assets you can bring to this major.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor