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Computer Science at William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,552/yr (-32% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

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

ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (10.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #273 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General 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	$1,071K	$1,024K	$768K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.7x	16.9x	12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.9x	10.5x	7.8x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	73	72	69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$60,600

Out-of-state: $97,856 (10.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$71,056

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,500

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$93,901

121% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,552 per year, Computer Science graduates from William Paterson University of New Jersey earn below the $62,617 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.9x 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 28% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $42,552 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #273 of 443 Computer Science programs, William Paterson University of New Jersey falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $93,901 show a 121% jump from the $42,552 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About William Paterson University of New Jersey

With 93% of applicants admitted, William Paterson University of New Jersey prioritizes broad access, serving 6,526 students in Wayne, NJ. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey →

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 Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at William Paterson University of New Jersey

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at William Paterson University of New Jersey?

This program scores 72/100 — 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 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $767,790 in decade earnings vs $1,070,844 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer Science from William Paterson University of New Jersey?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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