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Computer Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
89 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
90
Optimistic
89
Base Case
82
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,017/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 23.3x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 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 $982K $943K $722K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.3x 23.3x 17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.5x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 90 89 82

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,432
Out-of-state: $110,992 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,696
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$104,063
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $78,017 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln come in 25% above the national median of $62,617 for Computer Science programs.

The 23.3x 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 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $78,017 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #15 out of 443 programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $78,017 to $104,063 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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 Nebraska-Lincoln

Computer Engineering ($82,398) Chemical Engineering ($79,603) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,101) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($75,137) Agricultural Engineering ($73,907) Construction Engineering Technologies ($71,797) Mechanical Engineering ($71,318) Civil Engineering ($70,542)

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

How does University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Computer Science program score?
A score of 89/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Nebraska-Lincoln'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 Nebraska-Lincoln rank so high for Computer Science?
The #15 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 →