Computer Science at National University

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
85
Optimistic
84
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings $87,383/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 16.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #97 of 345 Computer Science 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 $902K $864K $669K
Earnings Multiple 16.9x 16.2x 12.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 84 76
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$53,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,232
-133% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,812
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,278
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $87,383 at National University come in 19% above the national median of $73,713 for Computer Science programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.2x 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 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $87,383 far exceeding the $31,812 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #97 of 345 Computer Science programs, National University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About National University

with a mid-sized student body of 9,725 in San Diego, CA.

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

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at National University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at National University?
This program scores 84/100 — 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 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $668,789 in decade earnings vs $901,546 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →