Computer Science at Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,259/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #317 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 $652K $637K $545K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$181,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,124
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $60,259 place Suffolk University below the $73,713 national median for Computer Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $60,259 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #317 out of 345 programs, Suffolk University's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Suffolk University

Suffolk University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 4,434 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $120,124 — 34% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Suffolk 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Suffolk University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 Suffolk University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Suffolk University trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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 are Computer Science earnings lower at Suffolk University?
Lower starting pay at Suffolk University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →