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Computer Science at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $49,759/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

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

ROI 19.6x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #215 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General 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	$843K	$814K	$649K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.2x	19.6x	15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.3x	7.0x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	79	78	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,632

Out-of-state: $115,992 (7.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,944

-78% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,880

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $49,759 per year, Computer Science graduates from University at Albany earn below the $62,617 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $20,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #215 of 443 Computer Science programs, University at Albany scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $81,880 show a 65% jump from the $49,759 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University at Albany

University at Albany accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 12,100 students in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University at Albany?

This program scores 78/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Computer Science careers?

With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $648,861 in decade earnings vs $842,591 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer Science from University at Albany?

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 →