Computer Scienceat University of Northern Iowa
Graduates earn $65,960/yr in their first year — about 11.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $911K; scenarios range from $694K to $953K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Northern Iowa
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.
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 Northern Iowa'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 Northern Iowa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Northern Iowa
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Northern Iowa, 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 Northern Iowa
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.