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Computer Science at California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $173,344/yr (135% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 6.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #255 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 $1,693K $1,583K $1,062K
Earnings Multiple 6.7x 6.3x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,020
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,608
70% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $173,344 put California Institute of Technology's Computer Science program 135% above the national median of $73,713 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 6.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI exposure is significant at 72% of job tasks, producing a 37% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At #255 out of 345 programs, California Institute of Technology's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology's 3% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 1,023 students in Pasadena, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $75,608 over four years — 70% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California Institute of Technology →

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

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) Pomona College ($143,084)

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

How does California Institute of Technology's Computer Science program score?
A score of 67/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but California Institute of Technology trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at California Institute of Technology after financial aid?
Sticker price is $253,020, but the average net cost is $75,608 — a 70% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →