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Computer Science at Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $146,624/yr (99% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #258 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 $1,447K $1,360K $940K
Earnings Multiple 6.1x 5.7x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$238,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,220
82% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Princeton University Computer Science graduates command $146,624/yr out of the gate, well above the $73,713 national median. That 99% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

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 35% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #258 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Princeton University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Princeton University

Only 4% of applicants gain admission to Princeton University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 5,579 students in Princeton, NJ. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $42,220 — 82% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Princeton 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

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Pomona College ($143,084)

Other Majors at Princeton University

Economics ($103,041) Operations Research ($100,354) Mechanical Engineering ($85,328) Public Policy Analysis ($73,630) Political Science and Government ($63,317) Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology ($53,038) Research and Experimental Psychology ($47,050) History ($45,363)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Princeton University?
At 67/100, 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 Princeton University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Computer Science at Princeton University?
The 82% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $238,840. At a net cost of $42,220, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →