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Computer and Information Sciences, General at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $68,597/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

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

ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #122 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$828K	$801K	$641K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.3x	15.8x	12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	5.7x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	84	83	77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,752

Out-of-state: $139,736 (5.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,128

-93% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$87,069

27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $68,597 per year, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from University of South Carolina-Columbia earn slightly above the $62,617 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer and Information Sciences, General's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $23,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #122 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, University of South Carolina-Columbia scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $68,597 to $87,069 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 28,113 students in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

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 and Information Sciences, General 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer and Information Sciences, General at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

This program scores 83/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer and Information Sciences, General nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Computer and Information Sciences, General careers?

With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $641,348 in decade earnings vs $828,167 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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