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Computer Science at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $110,302/yr (50% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #265 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 $1,113K $1,056K $774K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.2x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $110,302 per year, Computer Science graduates from Washington University in St Louis significantly outpace the $73,713 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 4.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI exposure is significant at 72% of job tasks, producing a 30% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The median debt load of $15,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #265 out of 345 programs, Washington University in St Louis's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Washington University in St Louis

With just 12% of applicants admitted, Washington University in St Louis ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 7,897 students in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

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 Washington University in St Louis

Business/Managerial Economics ($106,701) Finance and Financial Management Services ($102,814) Systems Engineering ($83,874) Mathematics ($79,799) Mechanical Engineering ($72,057) Marketing ($70,819) Chemical Engineering ($69,801) Economics ($66,325)

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

How does Washington University in St Louis's Computer Science program score?
A score of 65/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Washington University in St Louis trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at Washington University in St Louis after financial aid?
Sticker price is $251,928, but the average net cost is $88,468 — a 65% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →