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Computer & Information Sciences · Computer Science Rank #284 of 345

Computer Scienceat Colgate University

Graduates earn $79,929/yr in their first year — about 8.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $802K; scenarios range from $635K to $833K depending on AI disruption.

Hamilton, NY Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
62 SOLID
63
Optimistic
54
Pessimistic
Earnings
$79,929
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.0x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$802K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
61% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Colgate University

While Colgate isn't a dedicated tech institute, its powerful liberal arts framework shapes you into a different kind of technologist. You'll learn not just to code, but to think critically, communicate complex ideas, and solve problems creatively—skills that are surprisingly resilient against automation. The university's strong reputation and fiercely loyal alumni network act as a bridge from rural Hamilton to major tech hubs like New York City and Boston, opening doors at both established finance firms and nimble startups. Your career trajectory might start in software development but is well-positioned for future leadership roles where broad strategic thinking is valued over pure coding ability.

Actionable advice: With no local tech scene, you must aggressively leverage the alumni network and career services for summer internships in major cities starting your very first year.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$635K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score54/100
Earnings Multiple2.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$802K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score62/100
Earnings Multiple3.0x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$833K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score63/100
Earnings Multiple3.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Colgate University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Computer Science graduates typically work

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.

1
Computer and information systems managers
+15.2% 10-yr growth · 55,600 openings/yr
$171,200/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Database architects
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$135,980/yr
Very High
4
Software developers
+15.8% 10-yr growth · 115,200 openings/yr
$133,080/yr
Very High
5
Information security analysts
+28.5% 10-yr growth · 16,000 openings/yr
$124,910/yr
High
6
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Computer Science

How Colgate University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
California Institute of Technology
CA · Private nonprofit
67
DW Score
$173K
1-yr earn
5.9x
ROI
Carnegie Mellon University
PA · Private nonprofit
81
DW Score
$171K
1-yr earn
8.9x
ROI
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA · Private nonprofit
81
DW Score
$154K
1-yr earn
8.1x
ROI
Same state (NY)
Cornell University
NY · Private nonprofit
80
DW Score
$153K
1-yr earn
7.3x
ROI
Harvard University
MA · Private nonprofit
81
DW Score
$152K
1-yr earn
8.3x
ROI
Also at Colgate University

Other top programs at Colgate University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Colgate 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Computer Science at Colgate University

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Colgate University?

At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Colgate 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.

What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Colgate University?

The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $268,096. At a net cost of $116,428, the earnings multiple improves substantially.