Computer Scienceat California State University-San Marcos
Graduates earn $60,645/yr in their first year — about 18.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,082K; scenarios range from $788K to $1,142K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU San Marcos
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.
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 San Marcos'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 San Marcos stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU San Marcos
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU San Marcos, 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 San Marcos
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.