Computer Engineering at Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
74
Optimistic
72
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $82,209/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #122 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 $1,100K $1,032K $776K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.1x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 72 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$248,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$134,196
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,625
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$113,884
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $82,209/yr, Computer Engineering graduates from Lehigh University land near the $78,694 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 4.1x 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.

The median debt load of $24,625 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #122 out of 174 programs, Lehigh University's financial outcomes for Computer Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $82,209 to $113,884 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Lehigh University

A 29% acceptance rate puts Lehigh University in competitive admissions territory, with a mid-sized student body of 5,803 in Bethlehem, PA. The average net cost of $134,196 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh University's Computer Engineering program score?
A score of 72/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Lehigh 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 →