Computer Scienceat California State University-Long Beach
Graduates earn $60,378/yr in their first year — about 18.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $886K; scenarios range from $681K to $926K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU Long Beach
Starting salaries of $60,378/yr fall 18% below the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
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 26% gap from the optimistic case.
At $14,885 in median debt against $60,378 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #96 of 345 Computer Science programs, California State University-Long Beach scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $93,142 show a 54% jump from the $60,378 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.
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 CSU Long Beach'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 CSU Long Beach stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU Long Beach
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU Long Beach, 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 CSU Long Beach
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at California State University-Long Beach?
This program scores 84/100 — 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 $680,703 in decade earnings vs $925,530 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from California State University-Long Beach?
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.