Computer Scienceat Appalachian State University
Graduates earn $68,675/yr in their first year — about 7.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $955K; scenarios range from $718K to $1,001K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Appalachian State University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Appalachian State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How Appalachian State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Appalachian State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Appalachian State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at Appalachian State University
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.