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Computer Science at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,863/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #315 of 345 Computer Science programs

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 $648K $634K $543K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,352
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,332
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,125
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $59,863/yr fall 19% below the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $25,125 in median debt against $59,863 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #315 out of 345 programs, Valparaiso University's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,229 students in Valparaiso, IN. The average net cost of $86,332 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Valparaiso University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at Valparaiso University

Computer Engineering ($75,484) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,747) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($73,662) Civil Engineering ($69,549) Mechanical Engineering ($68,265) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($67,129) Accounting and Related Services ($57,766) Finance and Financial Management Services ($55,399)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Valparaiso University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Valparaiso University trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Computer Science earnings lower at Valparaiso University?
Lower starting pay at Valparaiso University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Computer Science at Valparaiso University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $186,352, but the average net cost is $86,332 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →