Computer Scienceat University of California-Berkeley
Graduates earn $149,866/yr in their first year — about 103.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,937K; scenarios range from $1,255K to $2,082K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Berkeley
The numbers reflect Berkeley's unique position as a top-tier public university at the heart of the global tech industry. Your proximity to Silicon Valley creates an unparalleled recruiting environment; companies like Google, Apple, and countless venture-backed startups aren’t just potential employers, they are part of the local ecosystem. The program's rigorous, theoretical foundation prepares you not just to be a programmer, but an architect of new technologies, which is why graduates are sought for roles in research and systems design, not just entry-level coding. While the "AI risk" data may seem high, Berkeley graduates are far more likely to be building and directing AI systems than to be replaced by them. Your key challenge won't be finding a job, but navigating the intense, competitive culture. Focus on building a network and finding a specific niche within computing that genuinely excites you—this will be your best guide through the wealth of opportunities you'll have.
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 UC Berkeley'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 UC Berkeley stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Berkeley
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Berkeley, 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 UC Berkeley
How does University of California-Berkeley's Computer Science program score?
A score of 90/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of California-Berkeley'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 of California-Berkeley rank so high for Computer Science?
The #1 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.