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Computer Science at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
86
Optimistic
85
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,135/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #86 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 $981K $936K $708K
Earnings Multiple 17.3x 16.5x 12.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 85 78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,164
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$102,767
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,135/yr, Computer Science graduates from Central Michigan University land near the $73,713 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 16.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 28% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $26,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #86 out of 345 programs, Central Michigan University's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $74,135 to $102,767 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Central Michigan University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Central Michigan University prioritizes broad access, serving 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan 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 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 Central Michigan University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($71,457) Mechanical Engineering ($69,862) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,088) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($66,149) Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($64,284) Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($63,862) Accounting and Related Services ($62,430) Finance and Financial Management Services ($60,023)

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 Central Michigan University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 85/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Central Michigan University's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
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.
Why does Central Michigan University rank so high for Computer Science?
The #86 ranking out of 345 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →