Computer Programmingat Rochester Institute of Technology
Graduates earn $83,875/yr in their first year — about 42.0% above the national Computer Programming average. Base-case 10-year earnings $806K; scenarios range from $637K to $869K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at RIT
RIT's strong outcomes aren't an accident; they're engineered by the curriculum itself. The university's mandatory co-op program is the key differentiator. You won't just learn to code in a classroom—you'll spend multiple semesters working full-time, paid positions at companies like Microsoft, Google, or regional tech employers like L3Harris. This means you graduate with a professional network and a resume that rivals candidates with years of experience. While the "AI risk" for pure programming roles looks high, RIT's focus on practical, team-based problem-solving prepares you for higher-level software engineering and systems design roles that are more resilient to automation. To maximize this advantage, start planning your co-op path from day one, targeting companies and industries that align with your long-term career goals.
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 RIT'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 Programming
How RIT stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at RIT
Other highest-scoring programs offered at RIT, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Programming offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Programming trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Programming at RIT
What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Programming at Rochester Institute of Technology?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Programming is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Programming at Rochester Institute of Technology?
The 78% 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.