Computer Scienceat Portland State University
Graduates earn $78,669/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,166K; scenarios range from $834K to $1,234K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Portland State University
First-year earnings of $78,669 at Portland State University come in 7% above the national median of $73,713 for Computer Science programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 25.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.
The 32% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.
With first-year pay of $78,669 far exceeding the $25,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #30 of 345 programs, Portland State University's Computer Science program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $126,086 show a 60% jump from the $78,669 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.
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 Portland State 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 Portland State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Portland State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Portland State 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 Portland State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Portland State University?
This program scores 88/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $833,868 in decade earnings vs $1,233,831 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.