Electrical Engineeringat Columbia University in the City of New York
Graduates earn $84,019/yr in their first year — about 8.0% above the national Electrical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $980K; scenarios range from $803K to $1,037K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Columbia University in the City of New York
Your Columbia degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering immediately confers a significant advantage, largely due to the university's global prestige and unparalleled New York City location. The rigorous curriculum, often blending traditional EE with computer science and data applications, prepares you for high-demand roles across diverse sectors. You'll find pathways into fintech, ad-tech, media, and a vast array of startups, alongside the local offices of major tech players like Google and Meta, all competing for top talent. This robust, competitive regional labor market drives strong career trajectories. Given the "Very High" AI risk, it’s crucial to leverage Columbia’s research opportunities to specialize in areas like AI/ML hardware, embedded systems, or advanced signal processing, ensuring you’re building the next generation of technology, not just maintaining it. Actively network through SEAS career services; your connections will be your biggest asset.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Columbia University in the City of New York's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Electrical Engineering
How Columbia University in the City of New York stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Columbia University in the City of New York
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Columbia University in the City of New York, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Electrical Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Electrical Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Electrical Engineering at Columbia University in the City of New York
What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Electrical Engineering at Columbia University in the City of New York?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Electrical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Electrical Engineering at Columbia University in the City of New York?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for Electrical Engineering at Columbia University in the City of New York?
The 71% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $276,180. At a net cost of $80,592, the earnings multiple improves substantially.