Computer Science at University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
83
Optimistic
82
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings
$60,199/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI
18.8x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
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 | $855K | $826K | $655K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 19.5x | 18.8x | 14.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.5x | 6.3x | 5.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 80% | 74% | 42% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 83 | 82 | 76 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (6.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,019
45% growth from Year 1
About University of Iowa
University of Iowa accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 21,691 students in Iowa City, IA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →Top Career Paths
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910/yr
Database architects
$135,980/yr
Compare & Explore
Computer Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Iowa
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Iowa?
This program scores 82/100 — 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 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $655,242 in decade earnings vs $854,837 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →