Home › Macalester College › Computer Science

Computer Science at Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $81,964/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #225 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 $1,170K $1,116K $820K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,632
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$119,920
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$122,063
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $81,964 per year, Computer Science graduates from Macalester College significantly outpace the $62,617 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 30% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #225 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Macalester College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $81,964 to $122,063 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Macalester College

A 28% acceptance rate puts Macalester College in competitive admissions territory, a compact campus enrolling 2,131 students in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $119,920 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Macalester College →

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 Macalester College

Economics ($59,752) Mathematics ($57,166) Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($45,450) Political Science and Government ($39,439) Research and Experimental Psychology ($38,027) Biology, General ($35,616) Geography and Cartography ($30,053) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($29,559)

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 77/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Macalester College?
At 77/100, 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 Macalester College?
The 69% 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 Macalester College?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,632. At a net cost of $119,920, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →