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Computer Science at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $74,815/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

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

ROI 21.6x earnings multiple (9.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #34 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	$1,154K	$1,093K	$794K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.8x	21.6x	15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.0x	9.5x	6.9x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	88	87	80

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (9.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,500

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$117,909

58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,815/yr, Computer Science graduates from Northern Arizona University land near the $73,713 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 21.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 31% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

The median debt load of $26,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #34 of 345 programs, this Computer Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $74,815-to-$117,909 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 does a 87/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Northern Arizona University?

At 87/100, 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 Northern Arizona 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 →