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Computer Science at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,077/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #273 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 $834K $803K $635K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.2x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,072
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,652
51% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $80,077 per year, Computer Science graduates from Willamette University earn slightly above the $73,713 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 4.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #273 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Willamette University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Willamette University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Willamette University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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 Willamette University

Economics ($45,993) Political Science and Government ($35,162) English Language and Literature, General ($32,863) Communication and Media Studies ($31,472) Psychology, General ($29,678) Sociology ($29,312) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($28,697) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($27,044)

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

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Willamette University?
At 64/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Willamette University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Willamette University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $193,072. At a net cost of $94,652, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →