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Computer Science at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,153/yr (-50% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #339 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 $439K $444K $439K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 14.0x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.6x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,625
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$72,511
95% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Computer Science graduates start at $37,153/yr, trailing the $73,713 national average by 50%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.0x 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 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,625 in median debt clears quickly against $37,153 in annual earnings.

Ranked #339 of 345 Computer Science programs, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($55,589) Forestry ($52,810) Plant Sciences ($44,038) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,586) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($36,444) Political Science and Government ($36,079) Social Work ($35,693) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($34,309)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Computer Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $439,031 in decade earnings vs $439,072 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
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 →