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Computer Science at California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
85
Optimistic
84
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,307/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 38.5x earnings multiple (14.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #95 of 345 Computer Science 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 $1,150K $1,090K $792K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 40.6x 38.5x 28.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.2x 14.4x 10.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 84 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,292
Out-of-state: $75,812 (14.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$22,584
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,750
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$108,989
90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Fullerton's Computer Science graduates start at $57,307/yr, trailing the $73,713 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 38.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,750 in median debt clears quickly against $57,307 in annual earnings.

At #95 of 345 Computer Science programs, California State University-Fullerton scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $108,989 show a 90% jump from the $57,307 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Fullerton

A 87% acceptance rate means California State University-Fullerton is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 36,956 in Fullerton, CA. With 47% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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 University-Fullerton

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($103,028) Civil Engineering ($72,606) Mechanical Engineering ($65,252) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($63,468) Computer Engineering ($55,093) Information Science/Studies ($49,897) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($49,830) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,256)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at California State University-Fullerton?
This program scores 84/100 — 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 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $792,153 in decade earnings vs $1,149,866 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from California State University-Fullerton?
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 →