Computer Science at Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
88 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
89
Optimistic
88
Base Case
81
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,448/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (8.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 5%

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 $1,287K $1,223K $881K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.4x 18.4x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 8.7x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 89 88 81

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$66,344
Out-of-state: $141,392 (8.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,628
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,904
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$131,153
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $80,448 put Rutgers University-Newark's Computer Science program 28% above the national median of $62,617 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 32% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 69% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

With first-year pay of $80,448 far exceeding the $20,904 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #24 of 443 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $131,153 show a 63% jump from the $80,448 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Rutgers University-Newark

Rutgers University-Newark accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,187 students in Newark, NJ. 56% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-Newark →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Rutgers University-Newark?
This program scores 88/100 — 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 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $880,523 in decade earnings vs $1,287,208 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Rutgers University-Newark's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #24 of 443 programs nationally, Rutgers University-Newark lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →