Computer Science at American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
83 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
84
Optimistic
83
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,210/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 20.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #127 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $698K $681K $573K
Earnings Multiple 20.8x 20.3x 17.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 84 83 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,852
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,927
8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $68,210/yr, edging above the $62,617 national average for Computer Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 20.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $25,852 in median debt against $68,210 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #127 out of 443 programs, American Public University System's Computer Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $68,210 to $73,927 over five years (8% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About American Public University System

with 38,976 students enrolled in Charles Town, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at American Public University System →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Public University System's Computer Science program score?
A score of 83/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. American Public University System's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →