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Computer Science at Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
81 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
83
Optimistic
81
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings $138,613/yr (88% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #136 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

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 $2,428K $2,252K $1,427K
Earnings Multiple 9.7x 9.0x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 83 81 76

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$249,936
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,544
81% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,399
0.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$247,797
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $138,613 put Stanford University's Computer Science program 88% above the national median of $73,713 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

A 9.0x 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 41% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $138,613 far exceeding the $10,399 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #136 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Stanford University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $138,613-to-$247,797 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Stanford University

Stanford University's 4% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,841 students in Stanford, CA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $48,544 — 81% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Stanford 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 Stanford University

Cognitive Science ($105,695) Engineering-Related Fields ($100,788) Economics ($98,104) International Relations and National Security Studies ($76,166) Political Science and Government ($59,297) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($50,487) Human Biology ($50,179) Engineering, Other ($49,741)

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

What does a 81/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Stanford University?
At 81/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Stanford 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 Stanford University?
The 81% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $249,936. At a net cost of $48,544, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →