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Computer Science at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $152,251/yr (107% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 7.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #132 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	$2,007K	$1,869K	$1,218K
Earnings Multiple	8.5x	7.9x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	82	81	76

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$236,304

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,264

72% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$219,550

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Harvard University Computer Science graduates command $152,251/yr out of the gate, well above the $73,713 national median. That 107% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.9x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

The 39% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

At #132 of 345 Computer Science programs, Harvard University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $152,251 to $219,550 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Harvard University

Only 3% of applicants gain admission to Harvard University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Harvard University?

This program scores 81/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Computer Science careers?

With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $1,218,114 in decade earnings vs $2,007,275 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Harvard University a hidden gem for Computer Science?

After financial aid, the average student pays $67,264 over four years — 72% below the $236,304 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →