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Computer Science at Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,227/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 26.7x earnings multiple (14.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #208 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 50%

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	$856K	$827K	$656K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	27.6x	26.7x	21.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	15.5x	14.9x	11.9x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	79	78	73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,016

Out-of-state: $55,304 (14.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,340

-69% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,736

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,248

76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,227 place Arkansas State University below the $62,617 national median for Computer Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 26.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $46,227 far exceeding the $19,736 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #208 of 443 Computer Science programs, Arkansas State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $81,248 show a 76% jump from the $46,227 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Arkansas State University

A 70% admission rate makes Arkansas State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 7,994 students in Jonesboro, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas State 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 Science at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Arkansas State University?

This program scores 78/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Computer Science careers?

With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $655,925 in decade earnings vs $856,144 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer Science from Arkansas State 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 →