Computer Science at University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
84
Optimistic
83
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings
$68,597/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI
15.8x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
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 | $828K | $801K | $641K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.3x | 15.8x | 12.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.9x | 5.7x | 4.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 80% | 74% | 42% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 84 | 83 | 77 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,752
Out-of-state: $139,736 (5.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,069
27% growth from Year 1
About University of South Carolina-Columbia
University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 28,113 students in Columbia, SC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →Top Career Paths
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910/yr
Database architects
$135,980/yr
Compare & Explore
Computer Science at Other Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
This program scores 83/100 — 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 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $641,348 in decade earnings vs $828,167 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →