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Computer Science at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $82,161/yr (11% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 21.5x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #22 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 10%

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	$1,297K	$1,224K	$865K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.8x	21.5x	15.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.2x	6.8x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	90	88	81

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,948

Out-of-state: $180,056 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,360

10% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

2.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$132,705

62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $82,161/yr, edging above the $73,713 national average for Computer Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 21.5x 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 (72% of tasks). The 33% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $15,000 in median debt against $82,161 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #22 of 345 programs, this Computer Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $82,161-to-$132,705 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Irvine

University of California-Irvine admits 26% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 29,494 in Irvine, CA.

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

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 University of California-Irvine

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 88/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of California-Irvine?

At 88/100, 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-Irvine?

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 →