Computer Scienceat Rhode Island College
Graduates earn $60,361/yr in their first year — about 18.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $638K; scenarios range from $545K to $653K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Rhode Island College
First-year earnings of $60,361 place Rhode Island College below the $73,713 national median for Computer Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $60,361 far exceeding the $22,801 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #254 of 345 Computer Science programs, Rhode Island College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
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 Rhode Island College'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 Rhode Island College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Rhode Island College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Rhode Island College, 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 Rhode Island College
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Rhode Island College?
This program scores 68/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $545,187 in decade earnings vs $652,750 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from Rhode Island College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.