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Computer Science at Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
61
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,950/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #297 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 $750K $727K $594K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 3.9x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 61 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$184,848
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,924
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Simpson College's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $70,950/yr — within striking distance of the $73,713 national average for this field.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,000 in median debt clears quickly against $70,950 in annual earnings.

A #297 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Simpson College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Simpson College

A 89% acceptance rate means Simpson College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,130 in Indianola, IA. The average net cost of $88,924 over four years represents a 52% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Simpson College →

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 Simpson College

Accounting and Related Services ($60,717) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($56,812) Human Services, General ($46,184) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,872) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($43,635) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($42,862) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,760) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($41,925)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Simpson College?
At 61/100, 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 Simpson College?
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 Simpson College?
The 52% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $184,848. At a net cost of $88,924, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →