Computer Science at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
86 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
87
Optimistic
86
Base Case
79
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,821/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 39.2x earnings multiple (14.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

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 $1,175K $1,113K $805K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 41.4x 39.2x 28.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.5x 14.7x 10.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 87 86 79

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (14.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,250
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$113,922
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $62,821/yr, roughly in line with the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 39.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 32% 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.

With first-year pay of $62,821 far exceeding the $16,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #60 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $113,922 show a 81% jump from the $62,821 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 32,357 students enrolled in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Northridge

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at California State University-Northridge?
This program scores 86/100 — 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 $804,700 in decade earnings vs $1,175,120 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Northridge's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #60 of 345 programs nationally, California State University-Northridge lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →