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Computer Science at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
88 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
89
Optimistic
88
Base Case
81
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,517/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 23.4x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 10%

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 $1,032K $983K $734K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.6x 23.4x 17.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.3x 8.9x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 89 88 81

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,775
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$108,762
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $78,517/yr, edging above the $73,713 national average for Computer Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 23.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,775 in median debt against $78,517 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #25 of 345 programs, this Computer Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 39% earnings increase from $78,517 to $108,762 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 25,033 students in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa 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 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 Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900) Civil Engineering ($72,502)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 88/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Iowa State University?
At 88/100, 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 Iowa State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →