Computer Scienceat Central Washington University
Graduates earn $52,362/yr in their first year — about 29.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,101K; scenarios range from $798K to $1,162K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Central Washington University
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.
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 Central Washington 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 Central Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Central Washington University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Central Washington 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 Central Washington University
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.