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Computer Science at Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
82 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
83
Optimistic
82
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $131,154/yr (109% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #145 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 50%

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 $2,035K $1,910K $1,270K
Earnings Multiple 8.8x 8.2x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 83 82 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,560
78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,373
1.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$213,603
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Rice University's Computer Science program earn $131,154/yr in their first year — 109% above the $62,617 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 8.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI exposure is significant at 69% of job tasks, producing a 38% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At $12,373 in median debt against $131,154 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #145 out of 443 programs, Rice University's Computer Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $131,154 to $213,603 over five years (63% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Rice University

Rice University admits 8% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, a compact campus enrolling 4,562 students in Houston, TX. The average net cost of $50,560 over four years represents a 78% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rice 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 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503) The University of Texas at Austin ($111,587)

Other Majors at Rice University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,751) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($88,307) Chemical Engineering ($87,830) Mechanical Engineering ($82,899) Economics ($78,814) Political Science and Government ($54,728) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($51,110) Mathematics ($50,286)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Rice University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 82/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Rice 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 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at Rice University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $232,512, but the average net cost is $50,560 — a 78% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →