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Computer Science at Berea College

Berea, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,185/yr (-44% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #433 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 Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $890K $858K $674K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.3x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$197,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$17,932
91% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,879
118% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $35,185/yr fall 44% below the $62,617 national median for Computer Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 4.3x 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 #433 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Berea College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,185-to-$76,879 earnings arc over five years reflects a 118% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Berea College

Berea College admits 33% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 1,472 students in Berea, KY. Pell Grant recipients make up 81% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $17,932 over four years represents a 91% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Berea College →

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

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at Berea College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($67,510) Business/Commerce, General ($44,627) Communication and Media Studies ($30,663) Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General ($28,495) Biology, General ($26,744) Agriculture, General ($25,912) Education, General ($21,709) Fine and Studio Arts ($20,036)

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Berea College?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Computer Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Berea College?
The 69% 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.
Is Berea College a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Berea College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Berea College?
The 91% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $197,304. At a net cost of $17,932, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →