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Computer Science at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,536/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #335 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 $571K $564K $505K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $51,536 per year, Computer Science graduates from Widener University earn below the $73,713 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $51,536 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #335 of 345 Computer Science programs, Widener University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Widener University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Widener University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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 Widener University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($83,528) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,611) Chemical Engineering ($71,160) Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services ($70,817) Civil Engineering ($69,289) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,762) Mechanical Engineering ($65,515) Accounting and Related Services ($65,071)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Widener University?
This program scores 54/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $504,821 in decade earnings vs $571,497 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from Widener University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →