Computer Scienceat California State University-Northridge
Graduates earn $62,821/yr in their first year — about 15.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,113K; scenarios range from $805K to $1,175K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU Northridge
Graduates earn $62,821/yr, roughly in line with the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 39.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.
The 32% 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.
With first-year pay of $62,821 far exceeding the $16,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #60 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $113,922 show a 81% jump from the $62,821 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 Northridge'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 Northridge stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU Northridge
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU Northridge, 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 Northridge
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at California State University-Northridge?
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 $804,700 in decade earnings vs $1,175,120 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Northridge's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #60 of 345 programs nationally, California State University-Northridge lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.