Computer Engineeringat Ohio State University-Main Campus
Graduates earn $83,342/yr in their first year — about 6.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $958K; scenarios range from $734K to $1,016K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Ohio State
First-year earnings of $83,342 at Ohio State University-Main Campus come in 6% above the national median of $78,694 for Computer Engineering programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Computer Engineering's typical career paths, with 71% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 28% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $83,342 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #31 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $83,342 to $106,752 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 Ohio State'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 Computer Engineering
How Ohio State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Ohio State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Ohio State, 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 →Frequently asked about Computer Engineering at Ohio State
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
This program scores 85/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Engineering careers?
With 71% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $733,679 in decade earnings vs $1,015,953 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Ohio State University-Main Campus's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #31 of 174 programs nationally, Ohio State University-Main Campus lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.