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Computer Science at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
88 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
89
Optimistic
88
Base Case
81
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,523/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 31.8x earnings multiple (13.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 10%

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 $1,113K $1,056K $774K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 33.6x 31.8x 23.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.8x 13.1x 9.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 89 88 81

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (13.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,866
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$114,373
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

San Diego State University's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $74,523/yr — within striking distance of the $73,713 national average for this field.

With a 31.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 30% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $16,866 in median debt clears quickly against $74,523 in annual earnings.

At #23 of 345 programs, this Computer Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $74,523-to-$114,373 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Diego State University

Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at San Diego State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($100,221) Construction Engineering Technologies ($81,608) Computer Engineering ($76,812) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,061) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($74,375) Civil Engineering ($73,584) Mechanical Engineering ($69,754) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($66,482)

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

What does a 88/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at San Diego State University?
At 88/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at San Diego State University?
The 72% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →