Program Analysis
Graduates earn $61,287/yr, roughly in line with the $62,617 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
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 — 69% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $61,287 far exceeding the $20,059 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #219 out of 443 programs, Dakota State University's Computer Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $61,287 to $67,572 over five years (10% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.