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Computer Science at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
82 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
83
Optimistic
82
Base Case
75
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,362/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 30.0x earnings multiple (10.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #128 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 $1,162K $1,101K $798K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 31.6x 30.0x 21.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.9x 10.3x 7.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 83 82 75

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,768
Out-of-state: $107,084 (10.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,860
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,435
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$106,796
104% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Central Washington University's Computer Science graduates start at $52,362/yr, trailing the $73,713 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 30.0x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,435 in median debt clears quickly against $52,362 in annual earnings.

A #128 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Central Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $52,362-to-$106,796 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Central Washington University

A 90% acceptance rate means Central Washington University is accessible to most applicants, serving 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

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 Central Washington University

Construction Management ($81,666) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($81,377) Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians ($77,500) Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($65,871) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($56,049) Accounting and Related Services ($55,215) Economics ($52,129) Apparel and Textiles ($51,494)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 82/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Central Washington University?
At 82/100, 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 Central Washington University?
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 Central Washington University a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Central Washington University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →