Computer Scienceat Carnegie Mellon University
Graduates earn $171,264/yr in their first year — about 132.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $2,135K; scenarios range from $1,363K to $2,299K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Carnegie Mellon University
While the raw earnings figures are impressive, they reflect Carnegie Mellon’s unique position as a direct talent pipeline to the highest echelons of the tech industry. Your classmates won't just be future software engineers; they'll be the founders of the next major startup or leaders at quant firms like Jane Street and Citadel. This environment, combined with a famously rigorous, theory-heavy curriculum, means companies like Google, Meta, and Apple recruit here not just for coders, but for future architects and research scientists who can solve novel problems. The high AI risk score isn’t a threat of replacement; it signals that the routine tasks are being automated, leaving CMU grads to focus on the complex, creative, and leadership-oriented work that commands a premium salary. Your key action item: from day one, leverage the incredible alumni network and career fairs to build relationships, as your connections here will define your career trajectory.
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 Carnegie Mellon University'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 Carnegie Mellon University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Carnegie Mellon University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Carnegie Mellon University, 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 Carnegie Mellon University
How does Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 81/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $255,316, but the average net cost is $126,684 — a 50% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.