Computer Science at California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
85
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,371/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 39.1x earnings multiple (14.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 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 $1,165K $1,104K $800K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 41.3x 39.1x 28.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.4x 14.6x 10.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 85 78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,220
Out-of-state: $75,740 (14.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,104
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$111,870
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $60,371 per year, Computer Science graduates from California State University-East Bay earn below the $73,713 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 39.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

The median debt load of $11,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #80 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $111,870 show a 85% jump from the $60,371 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-East Bay

With 97% of applicants admitted, California State University-East Bay prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 10,422 in Hayward, CA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-East Bay →

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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-East Bay

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at California State University-East Bay?
This program scores 85/100 — 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 $799,916 in decade earnings vs $1,165,492 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-East Bay's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #80 of 345 programs nationally, California State University-East Bay lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from California State University-East Bay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →