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Computer Science at California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
85
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,645/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 35.0x earnings multiple (13.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #92 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

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 $1,142K $1,082K $788K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 36.9x 35.0x 25.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.5x 13.8x 10.0x
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)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (13.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,200
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
2.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$110,266
82% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $60,645/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 35.0x 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.

At $12,500 in median debt against $60,645 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #92 of 345 Computer Science programs, California State University-San Marcos scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $110,266 show a 82% jump from the $60,645 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-San Marcos

California State University-San Marcos has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 14,174 students in San Marcos, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →

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

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at California State University-San Marcos

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($103,799) Accounting and Related Services ($63,366) Computer Systems Analysis ($61,054) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($57,682) Physics ($56,018) International Business ($55,455) Management Information Systems and Services ($55,102) Finance and Financial Management Services ($54,408)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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-San Marcos?
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 $788,087 in decade earnings vs $1,141,681 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from California State University-San Marcos?
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 →