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Computer Science at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
86
Optimistic
85
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,287/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 25.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #87 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

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 $1,070K $1,018K $753K
Earnings Multiple 26.5x 25.1x 18.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 85 78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$40,468
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,940
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,463
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$106,149
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Saint Cloud State University's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $63,287/yr — within striking distance of the $73,713 national average for this field.

The 25.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 30% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,463 in median debt clears quickly against $63,287 in annual earnings.

Ranked #87 out of 345 programs, Saint Cloud State University's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $63,287 to $106,149 over five years (68% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Saint Cloud State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Saint Cloud State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,181 in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud 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 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) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at Saint Cloud State University

Computer Engineering ($77,792) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($74,147) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,111) Mechanical Engineering ($70,179) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($69,943) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($69,616) Business/Commerce, General ($59,378) Accounting and Related Services ($58,497)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Saint Cloud State University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 85/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Saint Cloud State University's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Saint Cloud State University rank so high for Computer Science?
The #87 ranking out of 345 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →