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Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,536/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 20.5x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #316 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs

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 $548K $543K $495K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.7x 20.5x 18.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.3x 7.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,508
Out-of-state: $65,676 (8.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$4,452
83% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,940
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,429
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $45,536 per year, Computer Science graduates from Texas A&M University-Central Texas earn below the $62,617 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 20.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,940 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #316 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Texas A&M University-Central Texas in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $45,536 to $54,429 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Texas A&M University-Central Texas

With 100% of applicants admitted, Texas A&M University-Central Texas prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,698 in Killeen, TX. Pell Grant recipients make up 48% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. After financial aid, the average student pays $4,452 over four years — 83% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas A&M University-Central Texas →

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) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($88,036) Accounting and Related Services ($54,813) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($45,976) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,400) Human Resources Management and Services ($41,378) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($38,253) Social Work ($35,345) Psychology, General ($34,531)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Central Texas?
At 70/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science 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 Science at Texas A&M University-Central Texas?
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.
Is Texas A&M University-Central Texas a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Texas A&M University-Central Texas's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Central Texas?
The 83% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $26,508. At a net cost of $4,452, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →