Computer Scienceat Valparaiso University
Graduates earn $59,863/yr in their first year — about 19.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $634K; scenarios range from $543K to $648K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Valparaiso University
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.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Valparaiso University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How Valparaiso University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Valparaiso University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Valparaiso University, 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 →Frequently asked about Computer Science at Valparaiso University
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.