Computer Engineering at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
81 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
83
Optimistic
81
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,672/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #78 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 $938K $888K $694K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 14.3x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.6x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 83 81 74

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,179
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,155
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,672 track close to the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 14.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 71% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $26,179 in median debt against $77,672 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #78 out of 174 programs, Clemson University's Computer Engineering offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $77,672 to $98,155 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Clemson University

Clemson University admits 38% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 22,778 students enrolled in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson 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

Other Majors at Clemson University

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

How does Clemson University's Computer Engineering program score?
A score of 81/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Clemson University's Computer Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 71% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →