Computer Science at Capella University

Minneapolis, MN · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
83 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
84
Optimistic
83
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,674/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #126 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 $846K $818K $651K
Earnings Multiple 14.7x 14.2x 11.3x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 84 83 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$57,744
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,777
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,245
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,674 per year, Computer Science graduates from Capella University earn slightly above the $62,617 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $25,777 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #126 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Capella University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 21% earnings increase from $74,674 to $90,245 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Capella University

with a mid-sized student body of 16,173 in Minneapolis, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Capella University →

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

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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 83/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Capella University?
At 83/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Capella University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →