Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $52,129 place National American University-Rapid City below the $62,617 national median for Computer Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
At 9.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $52,129 far exceeding the $13,456 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #334 out of 443 programs, National American University-Rapid City's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $52,129 to $63,521 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.