Computer Scienceat University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Graduates earn $88,554/yr in their first year — about 20.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,188K; scenarios range from $846K to $1,258K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Massachusetts-Amherst
First-year earnings of $88,554 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst come in 20% above the national median of $73,713 for Computer Science programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.
The 33% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.
With first-year pay of $88,554 far exceeding the $22,679 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #27 of 345 programs, University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Computer Science program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Earnings grow from $88,554 to $132,046 over five years — a 49% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 Massachusetts-Amherst'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 Massachusetts-Amherst stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 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 Massachusetts-Amherst
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
This program scores 88/100 — 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 $846,009 in decade earnings vs $1,258,269 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.