Home Schools Northeastern University Computer Engineering
Engineering · Computer Engineering Rank #101 of 174

Computer Engineeringat Northeastern University

Graduates earn $99,499/yr in their first year — about 26.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,278K; scenarios range from $917K to $1,376K depending on AI disruption.

Boston, MA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
75 STRONG
77
Optimistic
69
Pessimistic
Earnings
$99,499
1-year post-graduation
ROI
4.7x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$1,278K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
62% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Northeastern University

Northeastern's Computer Engineering program leverages its prime Boston location and renowned co-op model to provide a distinct advantage. Your extensive practical experience through co-ops with leading tech firms, from established giants to innovative startups in the region and beyond, means you're not just learning theory – you're actively contributing and building a professional network long before graduation. This hands-on immersion is precisely why graduates are so well-prepared for competitive roles, bridging the gap between hardware and software development. While the industry is rapidly evolving with AI, your program's emphasis on real-world application ensures you'll be at the forefront of these shifts, adapting to new technologies. Maximize your co-op experiences to explore emerging specializations and secure early career opportunities.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$917K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score69/100
Earnings Multiple3.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,278K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score75/100
Earnings Multiple5.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,376K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score77/100
Earnings Multiple5.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northeastern University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Computer Engineering graduates typically work

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.

1
Architectural and engineering managers
+3.8% 10-yr growth · 14,500 openings/yr
$167,740/yr
Moderate
2
Computer hardware engineers
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 4,700 openings/yr
$155,020/yr
Very High
3
Database architects
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$135,980/yr
Very High
4
Software developers
+15.8% 10-yr growth · 115,200 openings/yr
$133,080/yr
Very High
5
Computer network architects
+11.9% 10-yr growth · 11,200 openings/yr
$130,390/yr
High
6
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
+8.1% 10-yr growth · 4,100 openings/yr
$106,120/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Computer Engineering

How Northeastern University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
WA · Public
88
DW Score
$142K
1-yr earn
43.2x
ROI
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
WA · Public
88
DW Score
$142K
1-yr earn
43.5x
ROI
University of Virginia-Main Campus
VA · Public
84
DW Score
$118K
1-yr earn
15.6x
ROI
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
CA · Public
87
DW Score
$112K
1-yr earn
32.0x
ROI
Duke University
NC · Private nonprofit
76
DW Score
$111K
1-yr earn
5.6x
ROI
Also at Northeastern University

Other top programs at Northeastern University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northeastern University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Computer Engineering at Northeastern University

How does Northeastern University's Computer Engineering program score?

A score of 75/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Northeastern 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.