Computer and Information Sciences, General at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
88 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
89
Optimistic
88
Base Case
81
Pessimistic
Earnings $81,761/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 18.2x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #34 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,031K $987K $747K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.0x 18.2x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.4x 8.0x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
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)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$109,603
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $81,761 per year, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from James Madison University significantly outpace the $62,617 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer and Information Sciences, General's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 28% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #34 of 443 programs, James Madison University's Computer and Information Sciences, General program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $81,761 to $109,603 over five years — a 34% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About James Madison University

With 76% of applicants admitted, James Madison University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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

Computer and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at James Madison University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer and Information Sciences, General at James Madison University?
This program scores 88/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer and Information Sciences, General nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer and Information Sciences, General careers?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $746,848 in decade earnings vs $1,030,652 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →