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Computer Science at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $71,293/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

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

ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #96 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 25%

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	$868K	$838K	$662K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.4x	15.9x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.3x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	85	84	78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$52,848

Out-of-state: $133,624 (6.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,872

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,453

3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$91,572

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $71,293 at University of Kentucky come in 14% above the national median of $62,617 for Computer Science programs.

The 15.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $71,293 far exceeding the $21,453 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #96 out of 443 programs, University of Kentucky's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $71,293 to $91,572 shows 28% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 23,189 students enrolled in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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

Computer Science at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Kentucky's Computer Science program score?

A score of 84/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Kentucky's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does University of Kentucky rank so high for Computer Science?

The #96 ranking out of 443 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →