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Computer & Information Sciences · Computer Science Rank #7 of 345

Computer Scienceat University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Graduates earn $128,887/yr in their first year — about 75.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,367K; scenarios range from $944K to $1,455K depending on AI disruption.

Seattle, WA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
90 ELITE
91
Optimistic
85
Pessimistic
Earnings
$128,887
1-year post-graduation
ROI
31.1x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$1,367K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
61% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Washington

The exceptional outcomes for University of Washington graduates are a direct result of its prime location and elite reputation. You’re not just earning a degree; you’re tapping into the core of the Pacific Northwest’s tech ecosystem. With Amazon and Microsoft in your backyard, and major offices for Google and countless startups nearby, the pipeline from classroom to career is incredibly short and powerful. These companies actively recruit on campus, seeking students from a program they know produces top-tier talent. While the high AI risk score seems alarming, it reflects that you'll be working on the cutting edge—building and managing the very AI systems that are reshaping industries. Your key advantage is this direct access. To maximize it, start networking and pursuing internships from your first year; your competition isn't just other students, but professional developers.

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
$944K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score85/100
Earnings Multiple18.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,367K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score90/100
Earnings Multiple27.0x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,455K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score91/100
Earnings Multiple28.8x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Washington'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 Washington 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
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 Washington

Other top programs at University of Washington

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

What does a 90/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?

At 90/100, 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 Washington-Seattle Campus?

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.

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus one of the best schools for Computer Science?

Among 345 Computer Science programs, University of Washington-Seattle Campus's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.