Computer Science at Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $79,929/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #284 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 $833K $802K $635K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.0x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$268,096
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,428
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $79,929 at Colgate University come in 8% above the national median of $73,713 for Computer Science programs.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $79,929 far exceeding the $16,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #284 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Colgate University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Colgate University

Colgate University's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a smaller student body of 3,122 in Hamilton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $116,428 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Colgate 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colgate University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Colgate University?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Colgate University?
The 72% 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.
What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Colgate University?
The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $268,096. At a net cost of $116,428, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →