Computer Science at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
87 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
88
Optimistic
87
Base Case
79
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,150/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 19.3x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 10%

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 $1,189K $1,125K $812K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.4x 19.3x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.2x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 88 87 79

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,499
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$120,928
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $75,150/yr, roughly in line with the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 19.3x 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 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $75,150 far exceeding the $16,499 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #35 of 345 programs, this Computer Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $75,150-to-$120,928 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

A 63% admission rate makes University of California-Santa Cruz accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz →

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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

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 87/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 87/100, 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-Santa Cruz?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →