Computer Science at Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,760/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #210 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 $1,217K $1,151K $826K
Earnings Multiple 6.0x 5.7x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$201,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,540
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$117,530
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $63,760/yr, Computer Science graduates from Luther College land near the $73,713 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 5.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #210 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Luther College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $63,760-to-$117,530 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Luther College

With 73% of applicants admitted, Luther College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,454 students in Decorah, IA. The average net cost of $102,540 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Luther 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 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Luther College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Luther College?
At 74/100, 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 Luther College?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →