Computer Engineeringat Purdue University-Main Campus
Graduates earn $89,965/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,052K; scenarios range from $788K to $1,122K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Purdue University
At $89,965 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from Purdue University-Main Campus earn slightly above the $78,694 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 26.3x 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 30% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $22,875 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
At #21 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $89,965 to $118,081 over five years — a 31% 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 Purdue University'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 Purdue University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Purdue University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Purdue 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 →Frequently asked about Computer Engineering at Purdue University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Purdue University-Main Campus?
This program scores 86/100 — 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 $787,609 in decade earnings vs $1,121,728 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Purdue University-Main Campus's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #21 of 174 programs nationally, Purdue University-Main Campus lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.