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Computer Science at Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $57,265/yr (-9% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 21.9x earnings multiple (9.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #146 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	$779K	$756K	$616K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.5x	21.9x	17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.2x	9.9x	8.1x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	82	82	75

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,568

Out-of-state: $76,328 (9.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$49,564

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$79,302

38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $57,265 track close to the $62,617 national median for Computer Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 21.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 in median debt against $57,265 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #146 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Shepherd University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 38% earnings increase from $57,265 to $79,302 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Shepherd University

Shepherd University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,375 students in Shepherdstown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Shepherd 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Shepherd University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 82/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Shepherd University?

At 82/100, 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 Shepherd University?

The 69% 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 →