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Computer Science at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
86 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
88
Optimistic
86
Base Case
80
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,675/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 31.6x earnings multiple (9.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

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 $1,001K $955K $718K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 33.2x 31.6x 23.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.2x 9.7x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 88 86 80

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (9.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,948
-119% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$102,688
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Appalachian State University's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $68,675/yr — within striking distance of the $73,713 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 31.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 28% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,500 in median debt clears quickly against $68,675 in annual earnings.

At #67 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $68,675 to $102,688 over five years — a 50% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Appalachian State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Appalachian State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 19,304 students in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

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 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,420) Construction Management ($59,809) Management Information Systems and Services ($56,650) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($56,340) Accounting and Related Services ($55,671) Insurance ($55,611) Finance and Financial Management Services ($52,004) Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians ($47,333)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Appalachian State University?
This program scores 86/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $718,149 in decade earnings vs $1,000,904 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Appalachian State University's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #67 of 345 programs nationally, Appalachian State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →