Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
69
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $94,722/yr (71% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (67% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (148,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #3 of 29 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,030K $949K $749K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 3.8x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 47% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 69 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$247,536
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,556
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,582
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$135,609
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians program earn $94,722/yr in their first year — 71% above the $55,289 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 3.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 67% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $23,582 in median debt against $94,722 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #3 ranking out of 29 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs nationally puts Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $94,722 to $135,609 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

With a 58% acceptance rate, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is moderately selective, enrolling 5,909 students in Troy, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $132,556 over four years — 46% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute →

Top Career Paths

Software developers $133,080/yr
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610/yr
Computer programmers $98,670/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians program score?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How vulnerable is Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 67% 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 →