Computer Engineering at Kettering University

Flint, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
61
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $82,580/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 4.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #163 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 $872K $830K $660K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.5x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 61 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$185,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,368
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,984
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $82,580/yr, roughly in line with the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 4.5x 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 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $82,580 far exceeding the $29,984 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #163 out of 174 programs, Kettering University's financial outcomes for Computer Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Kettering University

Kettering University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,279 students in Flint, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Kettering 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 Kettering University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kettering University's Computer Engineering program score?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Kettering University 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →