Computer Scienceat University of Colorado Boulder
Graduates earn $77,385/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,133K; scenarios range from $815K to $1,197K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Colorado Boulder
First-year earnings of $77,385 track close to the $73,713 national median for Computer Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 17.2x 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.
At $19,687 in median debt against $77,385 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
University of Colorado Boulder ranks #61 among 345 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $77,385-to-$122,521 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
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 Colorado Boulder'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 Colorado Boulder stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Colorado Boulder
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Colorado Boulder, 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 Colorado Boulder
What does a 86/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 86/100, 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 Colorado Boulder?
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 Colorado Boulder one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, University of Colorado Boulder's #61 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.