Computer Scienceat University at Buffalo
Graduates earn $72,283/yr in their first year — about 2.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,024K; scenarios range from $756K to $1,077K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University at Buffalo
At $72,283/yr, Computer Science graduates from University at Buffalo land near the $73,713 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 23.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 30% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The median debt load of $19,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #49 out of 345 programs, University at Buffalo's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth from $72,283 to $110,541 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.
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 University at Buffalo'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 Science
How University at Buffalo stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University at Buffalo
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University at Buffalo, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at University at Buffalo
How does University at Buffalo's Computer Science program score?
A score of 87/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University at Buffalo'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 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University at Buffalo rank so high for Computer Science?
The #49 ranking out of 345 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.