Computer Scienceat California State University-Sacramento
Graduates earn $60,028/yr in their first year — about 19.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,059K; scenarios range from $775K to $1,116K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU Sacramento
First-year earnings of $60,028 place California State University-Sacramento below the $73,713 national median for Computer Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 34.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 31% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
With first-year pay of $60,028 far exceeding the $15,004 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
California State University-Sacramento ranks #81 among 345 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $60,028-to-$108,027 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
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 Sacramento'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 Sacramento stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU Sacramento
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU Sacramento, 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 Sacramento
What does a 85/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at California State University-Sacramento?
At 85/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at California State University-Sacramento?
The 72% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Sacramento one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, California State University-Sacramento's #81 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is California State University-Sacramento a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Sacramento's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.