Computer Scienceat Boston University
Graduates earn $90,050/yr in their first year — about 22.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,237K; scenarios range from $873K to $1,312K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Boston University
Boston University places you directly into one of the world's premier tech hubs. Your strong earning potential isn't just about the BU brand; it's about proximity. You'll be surrounded by industry giants in Kendall Square and a thriving startup scene in the Seaport District, creating a rich ecosystem for internships and networking that often converts directly into high-paying jobs. Companies like Google, HubSpot, and Wayfair actively recruit on campus, seeking graduates from a program known for its rigorous, theory-heavy curriculum. The "high AI risk" for software roles simply means the field is evolving; your BU education, focused on fundamentals, prepares you to lead that evolution, not be replaced by it. Your key to maximizing this opportunity is to secure a sophomore or junior year internship in the Boston area—it's the most reliable path to a six-figure offer before you even graduate.
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 Boston 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 Boston University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Boston University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Boston 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 Boston University
How does Boston University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 77/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Boston University trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.