Home › Kean University › Computer Science

Computer Science at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $55,867/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (9.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #214 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	$789K	$765K	$621K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.7x	14.2x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.4x	9.1x	7.4x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	78	78	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,704

Out-of-state: $84,304 (9.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,672

9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,651

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$79,757

43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $55,867/yr, roughly in line with the $62,617 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 21% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $55,867 far exceeding the $23,651 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #214 of 443 Computer Science programs, Kean University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $55,867 to $79,757 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Kean University

Kean University accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 10,842 in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kean 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Kean University?

This program scores 78/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Computer Science careers?

With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $620,892 in decade earnings vs $788,911 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →