Computer Science
What Computer Science Graduates Do
Your first role will likely be as a software developer, where you’ll spend your days in a code editor, collaborating with a team to build and fix features for applications. As you gain experience, you'll move from writing small components to designing entire systems. This experience opens doors to high-paying specializations. Paths like data science, where you’ll analyze data to find business insights, or information security, where you'll protect networks from threats, are growing rapidly.
Career progression is clear and rewarding. While entry-level pay is strong, senior specialists and managers who lead teams and set technical strategy command the highest salaries. It’s true that AI tools now assist with writing code and running tests, automating many repetitive tasks. However, this frees you up to focus on the parts that require human ingenuity: designing complex systems, understanding user needs, and creative problem-solving. Successful professionals are learning to leverage AI as a powerful assistant, not a replacement, to become even more productive.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Computer Science. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Scientist
RAPIDS 2079CB |
Competency | Competency | $83K – $112,590 – $156K | 33.5% |
|
It Project Manager
RAPIDS 1048CB |
Competency | Competency | $134K – $171,200 – $216K | 15.2% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Computer Science
8 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber State University Ogden, UT |
83 73–86 |
$79,044/yr | 74.9x |
| 2 | Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MO |
81 72–83 |
$63,175/yr | 69.0x |
| 3 | Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA |
77 64–80 |
$48,889/yr | 74.4x |
| 4 | Saint Martin's University Lacey, WA |
70 62–73 |
$91,138/yr | 19.6x |
| 5 | University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, AR |
67 60–70 |
$47,904/yr | 27.9x |
| 6 | Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MA |
58 50–60 |
$30,332/yr | 26.5x |
| 7 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NY |
56 44–59 |
$24,888/yr | 59.0x |
| 8 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
44 34–46 |
$19,693/yr | 2.7x |
Highest Earning Computer Science Programs
Schools where Computer Science graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Martin's University | $91,138/yr | 70 |
| Weber State University | $79,044/yr | 83 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $63,175/yr | 81 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $48,889/yr | 77 |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $47,904/yr | 67 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | $30,332/yr | 58 |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College | $24,888/yr | 56 |
| Full Sail University | $19,693/yr | 44 |
Best ROI for Computer Science
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Computer Science.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | 74.9x | $79,044/yr | 83 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | 74.4x | $48,889/yr | 77 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | 69.0x | $63,175/yr | 81 |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College | 59.0x | $24,888/yr | 56 |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 27.9x | $47,904/yr | 67 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | 26.5x | $30,332/yr | 58 |
| Saint Martin's University | 19.6x | $91,138/yr | 70 |
| Full Sail University | 2.7x | $19,693/yr | 44 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Computer Science degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.