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Computer Science at Columbia College

Columbia, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
73
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,917/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 7.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #261 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 $715K $697K $582K
Earnings Multiple 7.3x 7.2x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 73 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$97,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$96,204
1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,718
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,640
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $67,917/yr, edging above the $62,617 national average for Computer Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

A 7.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,718 in median debt against $67,917 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #261 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Columbia College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $67,917 to $75,640 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Columbia College

serving 5,359 students in Columbia, MO. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia College →

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

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at Columbia College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,271) Management Information Systems and Services ($61,770) Finance and Financial Management Services ($56,104) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($54,190) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($53,748) Human Resources Management and Services ($49,326) Business/Commerce, General ($48,329) Accounting and Related Services ($46,905)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Columbia College?
At 73/100, 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 Columbia College?
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 →