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Computer Science at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
90 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
91
Optimistic
90
Base Case
84
Pessimistic
Earnings $112,006/yr (52% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 22.9x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 1%

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 $1,490K $1,399K $961K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.4x 22.9x 15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 7.6x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 91 90 84

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,166
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$160,463
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $112,006 put University of California-San Diego's Computer Science program 52% above the national median of $73,713 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 22.9x 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 35% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $112,006 far exceeding the $16,166 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Among 345 Computer Science programs nationally, University of California-San Diego ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 43% earnings increase from $112,006 to $160,463 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 33,787 students enrolled in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

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)

Compare Computer Science

University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Berkeley →

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Computer Engineering ($96,256) Mathematics and Computer Science ($89,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,687) Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology ($76,592) Mechanical Engineering ($69,555) Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($67,016) Civil Engineering ($65,478) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($65,401)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 90/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of California-San Diego?
At 90/100, 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 University of California-San Diego?
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.
Is University of California-San Diego one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, University of California-San Diego's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →