Computer Scienceat Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graduates earn $154,492/yr in their first year — about 110.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,867K; scenarios range from $1,217K to $2,005K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at MIT
Beyond the impressive salary figures, your MIT degree acts as a golden ticket into the most competitive and lucrative corners of the tech world. The curriculum isn't just about coding; it's a theoretical deep-dive that prepares you to solve problems that don't exist yet. This is why top quantitative finance firms in New York and Boston, elite AI research labs like DeepMind, and every major tech giant aggressively recruit on campus. You're not just competing for standard software engineering roles; you're on the fast track to positions that architect new systems or lead research teams. While AI poses a risk to many roles, you'll be positioned to build and direct those very tools. Your key challenge won't be finding a job, but choosing the right one; prioritize internships that expose you to the specific field—be it machine learning, systems design, or robotics—that truly excites you.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to MIT's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How MIT stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at MIT
Other highest-scoring programs offered at MIT, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at MIT
What does a 81/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
At 81/100, 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
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.
What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
The 67% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $240,624. At a net cost of $79,252, the earnings multiple improves substantially.