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Computer and Information Sciences, General at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,254/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 9.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #405 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$523K	$520K	$482K
Earnings Multiple	9.9x	9.8x	9.1x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	59	58	54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$52,976

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,708

-22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $46,254/yr fall 26% below the $62,617 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer and Information Sciences, General's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $46,254 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #405 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 8,116 students in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

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 and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer and Information Sciences, General at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

This program scores 58/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

Will AI replace Computer and Information Sciences, General careers?

With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $482,279 in decade earnings vs $522,876 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer and Information Sciences, General from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →