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Computer Science at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
89 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
90
Optimistic
89
Base Case
83
Pessimistic
Earnings $84,343/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 5%

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 $1,420K $1,345K $950K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.3x 22.1x 15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.3x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 90 89 83

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$143,465
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $84,343 put University of California-Davis's Computer Science program 35% above the national median of $62,617 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 22.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (69% of tasks). The 33% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $84,343 far exceeding the $14,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Davis ranks #12 among 443 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $84,343-to-$143,465 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

A 42% admission rate makes University of California-Davis accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 31,777 students enrolled in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Computer Engineering ($96,418) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419) Chemical Engineering ($68,337)

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 89/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of California-Davis?
At 89/100, 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 University of California-Davis?
The 69% 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.
Is University of California-Davis one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 443 Computer Science programs, University of California-Davis's #12 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →