Computer Science at Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $55,955/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #234 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 $636K $624K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.2x 15.9x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 8.9x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,200
Out-of-state: $70,000 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,552
-29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,350
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,401
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $55,955/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 15.9x 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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $55,955 far exceeding the $18,350 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #234 of 443 Computer Science programs, Missouri Western State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $65,401 are relatively flat compared to the $55,955 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Missouri Western State University

a compact campus enrolling 2,372 students in Saint Joseph, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri Western State 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 Missouri Western State 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 Missouri Western State University?
This program scores 76/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $541,233 in decade earnings vs $636,020 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →