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Computer Engineering at Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $102,083/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #164 of 174 Computer Engineering programs

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 $1,059K $996K $756K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$276,180
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,592
71% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Columbia University in the City of New York Computer Engineering graduates command $102,083/yr out of the gate, well above the $78,694 national median. That 30% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 71% task exposure — and the 29% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #164 out of 174 programs, Columbia University in the City of New York's financial outcomes for Computer Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Columbia University in the City of New York

Only 4% of applicants gain admission to Columbia University in the City of New York, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 8,899 students in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,592 over four years — 71% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia University in the City of New York →

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

Compare this program → View all 174 schools offering Computer Engineering →

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($141,588) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($141,588) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($118,232) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($111,560) Duke University ($111,145) Santa Clara University ($103,804) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($103,123) DigiPen Institute of Technology ($101,832)

Other Majors at Columbia University in the City of New York

Computer Science ($118,636) Operations Research ($110,457) Applied Mathematics ($91,559) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,019) Economics ($83,135) Mechanical Engineering ($72,036) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($62,895) Political Science and Government ($61,077)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia University in the City of New York's Computer Engineering program score?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Columbia University in the City of New York trails the majority of Computer Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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.
How affordable is Computer Engineering at Columbia University in the City of New York after financial aid?
Sticker price is $276,180, but the average net cost is $80,592 — a 71% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →