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Computer Science at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
85
Optimistic
84
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,193/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.4x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #106 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 $986K $941K $711K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.3x 17.4x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.4x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 84 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,936
Out-of-state: $127,896 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,436
-34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,066
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$101,926
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $70,193/yr — within striking distance of the $73,713 national average for this field.

With a 17.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 28% 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 — $17,066 in median debt clears quickly against $70,193 in annual earnings.

A #106 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places The University of Tennessee-Knoxville in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 45% earnings increase from $70,193 to $101,926 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's 46% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 28,763 in Knoxville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville →

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Chemical Engineering ($76,302) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,316) Computer Engineering ($74,085) Industrial Engineering ($73,822) Nuclear Engineering ($73,724) Mechanical Engineering ($65,756) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($65,298) Civil Engineering ($64,386)

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 84/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
At 84/100, 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →