Computer Scienceat University of Chicago
Graduates earn $117,578/yr in their first year — about 60.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $2,141K; scenarios range from $1,367K to $2,307K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Chicago
The numbers reflect more than just a degree; they show the power of a top-tier theoretical program situated in a global financial hub. You aren't just learning to code; you're mastering the deep mathematical and logical principles that underpin all of computer science. This theoretical rigor is precisely what elite employers in quantitative finance, like Citadel and Jump Trading, actively recruit for from UChicago's campus. Beyond finance, your training prepares you for complex problem-solving roles at major consulting firms or for graduate-level research. While the "AI risk" for software jobs is high, your education positions you to be the one building the AI systems, not being replaced by them. To make the most of this, engage with the department's research opportunities early; a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical research experience is your ticket to the most selective career paths.
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 of Chicago'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 of Chicago stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Chicago
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Chicago, 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 of Chicago
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Chicago?
This program scores 80/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $1,366,874 in decade earnings vs $2,306,712 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Chicago a hidden gem for Computer Science?
After financial aid, the average student pays $75,868 over four years — 72% below the $267,756 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.