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Computer & Information Sciences · Computer Science Rank #272 of 345

Computer Scienceat University of Rochester

Graduates earn $99,878/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $969K; scenarios range from $726K to $1,017K depending on AI disruption.

Rochester, NY Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
64 SOLID
65
Optimistic
58
Pessimistic
Earnings
$99,878
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.9x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$969K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
61% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Rochester

While Rochester isn't a major tech hub, the university's national reputation acts as a powerful launchpad, placing graduates into high-paying roles across the country. This isn't just a coding bootcamp; you'll be immersed in the deep theory of computation, algorithms, and systems architecture. This rigorous, research-focused curriculum is exactly what elite tech firms like Google and Microsoft, as well as quantitative trading desks on Wall Street, actively recruit for. They seek graduates who can solve novel problems, not just apply existing tools. The strong alumni network in major coastal cities provides a direct pipeline to these competitive opportunities. To maximize this advantage, focus on undergraduate research opportunities early on—it will distinguish you from graduates of less theoretical programs and open doors to the most innovative and lucrative roles.

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
$726K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score58/100
Earnings Multiple2.8x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$969K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score64/100
Earnings Multiple3.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,017K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple3.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Rochester'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 Rochester 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
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
Same state (NY)
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 Rochester

Other top programs at University of Rochester

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Rochester, 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 Rochester

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Rochester?

At 64/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at University of Rochester?

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 Rochester?

The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $257,392. At a net cost of $120,992, the earnings multiple improves substantially.