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Computer Science at Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,508/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #388 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs

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 $534K $531K $488K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.0x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.8x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,184
Out-of-state: $68,504 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,728
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Fitchburg State University's Computer Science graduates start at $47,508/yr, trailing the $62,617 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 12.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$47,508 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #388 out of 443 programs, Fitchburg State University's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Fitchburg State University

A 90% acceptance rate means Fitchburg State University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 2,825 in Fitchburg, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Fitchburg State 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 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at Fitchburg State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($80,228) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($56,336) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($49,907) History ($46,184) Human Services, General ($45,641) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($43,418) Biology, General ($41,250) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,780)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fitchburg State University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Fitchburg State University trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Computer Science earnings lower at Fitchburg State University?
Lower starting pay at Fitchburg State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →