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Computer Science at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
80 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
81
Optimistic
80
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $117,578/yr (60% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #138 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 $2,307K $2,141K $1,367K
Earnings Multiple 8.6x 8.0x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 81 80 74

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$267,756
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,868
72% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$227,147
93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Chicago Computer Science graduates command $117,578/yr out of the gate, well above the $73,713 national median. That 60% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

The 41% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

At #138 of 345 Computer Science programs, University of Chicago scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $227,147 show a 93% jump from the $117,578 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Chicago

Only 5% of applicants gain admission to University of Chicago, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,540 in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

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 University of Chicago

Mathematics ($100,421) Economics ($92,075) Statistics ($82,681) Public Policy Analysis ($60,057) Political Science and Government ($56,022) History ($46,616) English Language and Literature, General ($44,397) Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($39,808)

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Chicago?
This program scores 80/100 — 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 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $1,366,874 in decade earnings vs $2,306,712 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Chicago a hidden gem for Computer Science?
After financial aid, the average student pays $75,868 over four years — 72% below the $267,756 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →