Computer Scienceat Northern Illinois University
Graduates earn $77,257/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $769K; scenarios range from $617K to $797K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Northern Illinois University
At $77,257/yr, Computer Science graduates from Northern Illinois University land near the $73,713 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 15.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The median debt load of $21,004 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #110 out of 345 programs, Northern Illinois University's Computer Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $77,257 to $85,811 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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 Northern Illinois University'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 Northern Illinois University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Northern Illinois University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northern Illinois University, 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 Northern Illinois University
How does Northern Illinois University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 83/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Northern Illinois University's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.