Study finds computer science grads face bright financial future

Students concentrating in computer science have a promising financial future ahead of them after they graduate, according to a recently released report.

A nation-wide survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers concluded that nearly a third of students about to graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer science are expected to make $40,000 per year in their first jobs. NACE said those are reasonable expectations.

The survey found that 17 percent of responding computer science concentrators expect their first jobs' salaries to be between $40,000 and $44,999. Six percent expect to make between $45,000 and $50,000, and nine percent expect more than $50,000.

In April, NACE's "Salary Survey" showed an average starting salary offer of $40,843 to new college graduates with degrees in computer science.

"The number of job openings is much bigger than the number of students graduating," said Ann Ford, a University lecturer and computer science concentration advisor.

Ford added that, in addition to the job openings at computer companies such as Microsoft and Intel, the growing use of computers by many businesses creates a larger demand for people with a knowledge of computer science.

"Even Kroger needs computer people," Ford said.

With such a great demand for "computer people," companies are looking to colleges as a rich source for potential employees.

Ford said she knew of one student who was almost convinced by a company to begin working before graduation.

"It's sort of like recruiting football players," Ford said.

Michael Sun, an LSA junior concentrating in computer science, said a degree was not even necessary since computer experts are in such demand.

"My friend who just dropped out of school his sophomore year, and thus has no degree whatsoever, was able to secure a job in Chicago for a salary of $35,000," Sun said.

Other students reported similarly high starting salaries for their fellow computer science concentrators.

"A good friend of mine is graduating from Michigan Tech this spring and is receiving a job at IBM in Minnesota making $47,000 a year," said John Franzel, an LSA senior concentrator in computer science.

Franzel and Sun agreed that although computer science is a promising field, choosing the concentration purely for a bright financial future was not a good idea.

"For me, money was not as much of an issue as enjoying what I was doing," Franzel said, adding that he chose the concentration because it reflected his interests.

Sun said a desire for a career in computers is more important to completion of the computer science program than a desire for money.

"I notice many times that the people in the major who are in it just for the money or the job security, but have no real interest in the subject matter, tend to struggle a great deal more because they may not have had the background that comes along with years of messing with the computer," Sun said.

05-18-98