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Computer & Information Sciences · Computer Science Rank #159 of 345

Computer Scienceat University of Pennsylvania

Graduates earn $124,678/yr in their first year — about 69.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,467K; scenarios range from $998K to $1,565K depending on AI disruption.

Philadelphia, PA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
79 STRONG
80
Optimistic
73
Pessimistic
Earnings
$124,678
1-year post-graduation
ROI
5.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$1,467K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
61% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Pennsylvania

As an Ivy League powerhouse with a world-class engineering school, Penn's computer science program is a direct pipeline to the most competitive and lucrative corners of the tech and finance industries. The impressive earnings aren't just about coding; they reflect the university's gravity-defying brand and its unique proximity to Wall Street. Recruiters from top-tier investment banks and hedge funds in New York aggressively seek out Penn grads for high-paying quantitative and fintech roles, competing directly with Silicon Valley giants like Google and Meta. You're not just learning theory; you're being positioned within an elite ecosystem. To maximize this advantage, your key action is to engage with the Wharton School’s network and events, even as an engineering student. This cross-disciplinary connection is Penn’s unique strength and your ticket to opportunities that blend finance with cutting-edge technology.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$998K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score73/100
Earnings Multiple3.8x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,467K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score79/100
Earnings Multiple5.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,565K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score80/100
Earnings Multiple5.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Pennsylvania's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Computer Science graduates typically work

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.

1
Computer and information systems managers
+15.2% 10-yr growth · 55,600 openings/yr
$171,200/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Database architects
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$135,980/yr
Very High
4
Software developers
+15.8% 10-yr growth · 115,200 openings/yr
$133,080/yr
Very High
5
Information security analysts
+28.5% 10-yr growth · 16,000 openings/yr
$124,910/yr
High
6
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Computer Science

How University of Pennsylvania stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
California Institute of Technology
CA · Private nonprofit
67
DW Score
$173K
1-yr earn
5.9x
ROI
Same state (PA)
Carnegie Mellon University
PA · Private nonprofit
81
DW Score
$171K
1-yr earn
8.9x
ROI
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA · Private nonprofit
81
DW Score
$154K
1-yr earn
8.1x
ROI
Cornell University
NY · Private nonprofit
80
DW Score
$153K
1-yr earn
7.3x
ROI
Harvard University
MA · Private nonprofit
81
DW Score
$152K
1-yr earn
8.3x
ROI
Also at University of Pennsylvania

Other top programs at University of Pennsylvania

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Pennsylvania, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania

What does a 79/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania?

At 79/100, 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 Pennsylvania?

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.

What do students actually pay for Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania?

The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,416. At a net cost of $124,916, the earnings multiple improves substantially.