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Computer Science at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $60,979/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (11.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #141 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

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	$932K	$892K	$684K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.2x	14.6x	11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	12.2x	11.7x	9.0x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	81	80	73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,192

Out-of-state: $76,392 (11.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,804

-22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$93,924

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $60,979 place Western Michigan University below the $73,713 national median for Computer Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 14.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $60,979 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #141 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Western Michigan University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $60,979-to-$93,924 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Michigan University

Consider the Trade Route?

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

What does a 80/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Western Michigan University?

At 80/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Western Michigan University?

The 72% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Western Michigan University a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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