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Computer Science at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $65,960/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 23.4x earnings multiple (10.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #85 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

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	$953K	$911K	$694K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	24.5x	23.4x	17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.2x	10.7x	8.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	86	85	78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (10.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,770

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$97,609

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $65,960/yr, roughly in line with the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 23.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $65,960 far exceeding the $22,770 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #85 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $65,960 to $97,609 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 7,599 in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern 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

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Northern Iowa?

This program scores 85/100 — 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 $694,492 in decade earnings vs $953,288 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of Northern Iowa's Computer Science program stand out?

Ranked #85 of 345 programs nationally, University of Northern Iowa lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →