Computer Science at Walden University

Minneapolis, MN · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
86
Optimistic
85
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,690/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 15.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #72 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 $818K $792K $636K
Earnings Multiple 16.4x 15.8x 12.7x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 85 78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$49,992
Median Debt at Graduation
$43,204
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,065
13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,690 at Walden University come in 24% above the national median of $62,617 for Computer Science programs.

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 Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 22% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $43,204 represents roughly 7 months of the $77,690 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #72 of 443 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $88,065 are relatively flat compared to the $77,690 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Walden University

serving 7,337 students in Minneapolis, MN. 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Walden 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 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Walden University?
This program scores 85/100 — 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 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $636,301 in decade earnings vs $818,484 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Walden University's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #72 of 443 programs nationally, Walden University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →