Home › Vanderbilt University › Computer Science

Computer Science at Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
67
Optimistic
65
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $122,244/yr (66% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #266 of 345 Computer Science programs

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 $1,223K $1,156K $828K
Earnings Multiple 4.8x 4.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 65 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,160
70% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,500
1.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$164,139
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $122,244 put Vanderbilt University's Computer Science program 66% above the national median of $73,713 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 4.5x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

The 32% 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.

With first-year pay of $122,244 far exceeding the $14,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #266 of 345 Computer Science programs, Vanderbilt University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, enrolling 7,143 students in Nashville, TN. The average net cost of $76,160 over four years represents a 70% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Vanderbilt University →

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 Vanderbilt University

Mathematics ($103,812) Economics ($84,311) Engineering Science ($81,126) Mechanical Engineering ($78,009) Chemical Engineering ($75,639) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($63,402) Social Sciences, General ($61,389) Public Policy Analysis ($57,023)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Science at Vanderbilt University?
This program scores 65/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $828,246 in decade earnings vs $1,222,517 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Vanderbilt University a hidden gem for Computer Science?
After financial aid, the average student pays $76,160 over four years — 70% below the $255,784 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 →