Computer and Information Sciences, General at Arcadia University

Glenside, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,672/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #397 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $704K $687K $577K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,464
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,358
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,538
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,672 place Arcadia University below the $62,617 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,358 debt-to-$50,672 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #397 out of 443 programs, Arcadia University's financial outcomes for Computer and Information Sciences, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $50,672 to $70,538 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Arcadia University

Arcadia University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,799 students in Glenside, PA. The average net cost of $103,464 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Arcadia 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 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 Arcadia University's Computer and Information Sciences, General program score?
A score of 60/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Arcadia University trails the majority of Computer and Information Sciences, General programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer and Information Sciences, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer and Information Sciences, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Computer and Information Sciences, General earnings lower at Arcadia University?
Lower starting pay at Arcadia University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →