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Computer Engineering at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $77,792/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)

ROI 19.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #129 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	$826K	$789K	$637K
Earnings Multiple	20.4x	19.5x	15.7x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	74%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	73	71	65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$40,468

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,940

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,215

3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,792 track close to the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.5x 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 23% gap from the optimistic case.

At $24,215 in median debt against $77,792 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #129 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, Saint Cloud State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Saint Cloud State University?

This program scores 71/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

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 $637,023 in decade earnings vs $826,377 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →