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If you enjoy and excel at math, problem solving, and all things computer-related, you may want to consider majoring in computer science (or CS). As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, computer science majors are standing out from the crowd as competitive job applicants and higher-than-average earners.

Of course, getting a four-year degree in computer science involves taking on challenging coursework and investing a significant amount of money. For many students, however, it can be well worth the time, hard work, and expense. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a CS major.

What Is a Computer Science Major?

A computer science major is a course of study that focuses on computer hardware and software systems. Students learn how to develop software, design websites, and manage databases. Graduates with a computer science degree can pursue jobs in an array of fields, including software engineering, web development, information technology, and network systems administration.

Since the world is increasingly dependent on computer technology, computer scientists are in demand in a wide range of industries, from more traditional paths like corporate web development or information security to positions in fintech startups, healthcare, communications, and more.

Basically, if a job has to do with programming or maintaining computer software or networks, computer science can help prepare you for it. In some cases, you may need to pursue studies at the graduate level in order to unlock access to certain positions — but it all starts with a computer science major in college.

Computer Science vs Computer Engineering

It’s worth noting that computer science isn’t the only degree path for those pursuing jobs in technology. Computer engineering is another course of study — but there are some important differences between the two.

Generally speaking, computer engineers get more education about the hardware side of computing: how to build a computer from scratch and a complete understanding of the architecture of a PC.

Computer science, on the other hand, focuses primarily on computer theory and software. Computer scientists work with complex software systems, machine learning-based algorithms, and more.

However, students with either major will graduate with a basic understanding of common coding languages and a general aptitude around computer software that will set them up for a job in technology.

Recommended: Are Coding Bootcamps Worth the Money?

What Are Common Computer Science Degree Requirements?

A computer science degree can grant you access to a wide range of opportunities — but you do have to do the work to earn one first. Given its focus on programming and problem-solving, computer science is a math-heavy degree that requires students to grapple with some heady, abstract concepts. As college majors go, it’s definitely considered a challenging course of study.

For instance, computer science majors are typically required to take calculus courses, as well as other complicated types of math like linear algebra and statistics. Students will also likely need to master — or at least demonstrate proficiency in — several different programming languages (for example, Java, JavaScript, C#, and Python®). They can also expect to face classes that cover complex and often theoretical topics, such as algorithm design, data visualization, neural networks, and basic cryptography.

Of course, the specifics of your degree requirement will depend on which institution you’re attending and also which specific computer science degree you’re after.

For instance, both bachelor of science (B.S.) and bachelor of arts (B.A.) degrees in computer science are available at the undergraduate level. Generally speaking, a B.A. might allow for more electives and studies outside of the computer science department, whereas a B.S. might have more stringent requirements.

There are also master- and doctorate-level computer science studies for those who’ve already completed their undergraduate degree. However, you’ll very likely need to have chosen a major related to computer studies rather than, say, a course of study in the humanities.

Recommended: 20 of the Most Popular College Majors

How Much Can You Earn With a CS Degree?

While there are many exciting reasons to pursue a computer science major, given how much money it costs to go to college, many students want to know how much they can stand to earn once they have the degree. (This is also sometimes referred to as figuring out your ROEd or return on education — most degrees in America can cost a lot, but not all of them offer great earning prospects in return!)

And the good news is that a computer science major can put you in line for some of the most lucrative and in-demand job positions out there.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information research scientists earned a median of $140,910 per year in 2024.

Along with great pay, computer scientists can also look forward to great job availability; the BLS expects job prospects to grow 26% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Affording Your College Degree

But, of course, a computer science degree comes at a cost. According to College Data, the average cost of tuition and fees to attend a public college in 2023-24 was $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students. The tuition and fees for a private college was $41,540 per year. And, these numbers don’t include the cost of room and board and other expenses.

Fortunately, there are several options for parents and students who need help paying for a computer science degree. A great first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form opens up opportunities for students to receive grants, scholarships, work-study positions, and federal student loans.

There are different types of student loans to consider as well.

Another option for covering the cost of attendance for college is to take out a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates for private student loans tend to be higher than federal student loans, but borrowing limits are typically higher. These loans are not need-based and generally require a credit check. Borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit tend to qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind that private student loans may not offer the same borrower protections that federal student loans offer, such as forbearance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or income-driven repayment.

The Takeaway

Computer science can be a great course of study for people who are interested in learning about computer programming, software development and maintenance, and really all things tech. As a computer scientist, you might code the next smash-hit video game or develop a new kind of AI tool, while earning a solid salary and enjoying plenty of job opportunities. To afford a computer science degree, you might look into scholarships and grants as well as federal and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Is a computer science degree worth it?

While a computer science degree can be challenging to achieve, it can lead to diverse, well-paying positions in a field that is expanding quickly, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Is a CS degree still worth it?

Many people believe that a CS degree is still worthwhile, since the forecast is that jobs will grow by 26% between 2023 and 2033. However, there has been somewhat less demand for computer programmers in recent years.

Does a computer science degree have good ROI?

Yes, a computer science degree generally has a good return on investment or return on educational costs. One study found that computer science degrees can have as high as a 716% return on investment.

Photo credit: iStock/DragonImages

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There are a variety of reasons why a law student may consider transferring schools. Maybe you don’t love the professors or environment, the city isn’t a fit, the tuition is too high or you need to relocate for personal reasons. Whatever the reason, transferring schools is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

While you are at your current school, focus on your grades and rounding out your resume. These are two factors admissions officers may evaluate when you apply to transfer. Continue reading for a guide on how to make a transfer happen and what you should consider before choosing to make the move.

What Is a Law School Transfer?

Typically, completing law school takes three years of full-time study. A law school transfer involves switching from one law school to another while pursuing a JD. In most cases, transfers take place after a student completes their first year of law school, commonly known as their 1L year.

It is possible to transfer after your second year, but this is less common because credits taken during your 2L year may not transfer.

What to Consider Before You Transfer Law Schools

Switching law schools involves a lot of work and some trade-offs. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you take the leap:

Is the new law school ranked significantly better than your current one?

If you’re looking to change schools in order to upgrade to a better one, make sure it’s worth the trouble. A school that’s ranked only slightly better or falls within the same tier won’t change your job prospects very much, and what you sacrifice could eclipse any benefits. Aim to jump to at least the next tier of law schools. If you’re already in the top tier, you may want to focus on just the top five schools.

Will a “Better” School Be Right for You?

When you move to a higher-ranked school, you may see your grades fall or feel stressed because of stiffer competition. You may get less personalized attention from faculty and administrators and have a harder time getting to the top of the list for institution-based law school scholarships and internships. Setbacks like these aren’t guaranteed, and you can certainly bounce back, but make sure you think through the move carefully and get to know your prospective institution well.

Are You Willing to Put in the Work?

Applying as a transfer student requires pretty much the same amount of time and effort as applying to law school the first time. You’ll also have to pay application fees of up to around $75 per school.

Are You Okay With Potentially Losing Out on Opportunities?

When you change schools, you may have to give up scholarships, the chance to study abroad, or the opportunity to participate in the law review or moot court. You will also have to give up your first-year grades (you don’t bring them with you to the new school).

Can You Deal With Setbacks in Your Relationships?

When you transfer, you might lose the bonds and connections you’ve started forming during your first year.

Conversely, many of the students at your new school will have formed strong friendships as well, so you might have a harder time breaking in. Considering the importance of networks in career advancement, this could affect not only your personal life, but also your professional future.

How to Complete a Law School Transfer

Most students transfer after their first year, which allows them to receive a degree from their new school with no mention of the original institution. Many schools will not allow you to transfer after your second year, or if they do, they’ll still require you to attend two additional years at the new school.

Applying for a transfer looks very similar to applying for law school in the first place. Generally, you’ll need to submit:

•   A résumé

•   A personal statement

•   Two letters of recommendation

•   Transcripts

•   LSAT or GRE scores

Preparing Your Application

Applying to transfer does not guarantee that you’ll be admitted. Your GPA and class rank are usually the most important factors in your application and are weighed more heavily in transfer decisions than your LSAT score and extracurricular activities.

Most schools will only admit transfers that are in the top 10% of their class. Your class rank must be even higher if your school is ranked relatively low. To improve your chances, focus on getting good grades in your first year. You should also start early on building relationships with professors who might offer recommendations by reaching out to them, attending office hours, and speaking up in class.

A law school transfer personal statement must focus not only on why you want to study law in general but also on why you want to transfer. The reason you cite should be substantive and tied to the institution you want to attend, rather than a purely personal motive, such as being closer to family.

Don’t just cut and paste the essay you submitted when applying to law school initially, and don’t turn in a generic statement. Instead, tailor the essay to the school you want to transfer to, and why they are the right fit for you. Steer clear of trash-talking your current law school — that doesn’t look good to the admissions committee. Instead, speak in positive terms about what you’ve gained and accomplished, and make clear what contribution you would make to the school if you were accepted.

What Are Admissions Officers Looking at in a Transfer Application?

The exact criteria an admissions committee evaluates may vary based on the law school. However, there are commonalities that admissions officers evaluate and opportunities for you to strengthen your application as a law school transfer. Some of the top criteria evaluated include grades, letters of recommendation, résumé, and your personal statement.

•   Grades. The grades you earn during your 1L year can illustrate how you’ll perform in future years of law school. As mentioned, LSAT scores will still likely be a factor, but may fall in importance after completing 1L classes.

•   Letter of Recommendation. This can help the committee understand how you performed in your 1L classes and any other criteria that could help you stand out from other applicants. Think carefully about which professor may be the best fit to write a letter on your behalf and be open about your reasons for wanting to transfer.

•   Resume. The admissions committee will also likely evaluate any law-related extracurriculars you participated in during your 1L year.

•   Personal Statement. The personal statement is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in transferring in addition to why you want to pursue a law degree and how it will influence your future career plans.

What to Do If Your Transfer Is Accepted

If you’re admitted as a transfer student, congratulations! Once you’ve committed to switching schools, you’ll need to take care of a number of things to ensure a smooth transition. First, inform your current school of your plans to transfer (and tell your landlord if you’re moving). Next, get in touch with your new school to confirm which of your credits will be transferred, and take careful note of all the classes you need to earn your degree.

You will also want to reach out to the financial aid office to make sure your package is squared away. And don’t forget to contact career services to connect with your advisor and sign up for on-campus interviews and other opportunities. If you’re moving, you’ll need to get set up in a new apartment. Once you’re at your new school, work extra hard to build relationships with professors and peers. These will pay off in terms of future recommendation letters and lifelong networks.

How Student Loan Refinancing Can Help

As a lawyer-in-training, you’re probably on track to make a good living once you graduate. But in the meantime, law school can be an expensive endeavor. That high price tag, especially when combined with the cost of undergraduate education, is one reason why law school students can expect to graduate with an average of $130,000 in student debt for college and law school loans, according to the Education Data Initiative. Yes, you will hopefully have a well-paying job after law school, but that’s still a considerable burden.

Maybe you are looking to transfer because your current law school is too expensive, or maybe you’re upgrading to a higher-ranked school that also comes with higher costs. Either way, student loan refinancing can help get your law school debt under control.

What Is Student Loan Refinancing?

Student loan refinancing involves getting a single new loan from a private lender to pay off one or more existing student loans. Your new loan comes with a single payment, and potentially, a different interest rate and repayment term. You can refinance both federal and private loans. However, if you refinance federal loans, you permanently forfeit all federal protections and benefits such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment and forbearance options, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Lenders will usually evaluate factors such as your credit score, credit history, and income, among other personal factors to help determine the loan terms. It is possible to refinance student loans with bad credit, but this can be more challenging or result in a higher interest rate or less favorable terms. That’s why some borrowers may consider adding a cosigner to strengthen their application.

Refinancing without a cosigner is also an option. Borrowers with limited history or low credit scores may want to spend some time building credit before refinancing if they do not want to rely on a cosigner.

In terms of deciding if you should refinance your student loans, the answer is deeply personal, but being an informed consumer can help you make the decision. A major draw of refinancing is to secure a more competitive interest rate, which could help you save money over the life of the loan. You can get an idea of how refinancing can influence your loans by using an online student loan refinance calculator. Then, if you think refinancing may be a fit for you, shop around and compare terms to find the best rates and terms available to you.

Recommended: Guide to Establishing Credit

The Takeaway

There are a lot of reasons students may want to transfer law schools. Typically, this happens after a student has completed their 1L year. Admissions committees will generally evaluate factors including a student’s 1L grades, letters of recommendation, their resume, any law-related extracurriculars, and the student’s personal statement, among other factors as determined by the school.
As you pursue your degree at a new school, you may want to explore financing options, including refinancing your loans.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

FAQ

Is it hard to transfer to a different law school?

It can indeed be challenging to transfer to a different law school. You typically will need to earn outstanding grades during your first year at law school and have a high class rank. Some law schools may only admit students who are in the very top tier of their class.

Can you transfer law schools after the first year?

Yes, a common time to transfer law schools is after the first year. Students can use a successful first-year performance to apply for admission to other programs.

What percentage of law school students transfer?

Research indicates that about 3% of law school students transfer to a new program.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.