Computer Engineering at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
83 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
85
Optimistic
83
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,067/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.8x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $941K $891K $695K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.8x 17.8x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.6x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 83 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,999
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $80,067/yr, Computer Engineering graduates from Auburn University land near the $78,694 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Engineering's typical career paths, with 71% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $20,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #51 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, Auburn University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $80,067 to $98,999 over five years — a 24% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Auburn University

Auburn University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 25,732 in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Auburn University?
This program scores 83/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Engineering careers?
With 71% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $695,276 in decade earnings vs $940,632 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →