Computer Engineering Technology at Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,957/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (67% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (148,800 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #29 of 29 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs

Program Analysis

The data for this program signals a particularly challenging path, indicating that graduates often face a steeper climb to establish a strong career footing. The "Technologies/Technicians" focus typically prepares you for more applied, hands-on roles in IT support, hardware, or quality assurance, rather than the higher-paying, theoretical engineering or software development positions. While careers like software development are listed, the actual outcomes suggest graduates often land in technician roles, which are generally compensated at a lower rate. The local labor market around Huntsville, while offering opportunities, may not have the high density of tech companies or the salary benchmarks found in major tech hubs, leading to more modest starting wages. Furthermore, many technician-level tasks, especially in areas like testing and routine IT maintenance, are becoming increasingly susceptible to automation, contributing to the high AI risk. To succeed here, you'll need to aggressively pursue multiple internships, build a robust portfolio of personal projects, and potentially seek specialized certifications to differentiate yourself.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $467K $471K $447K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.8x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.2x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 47% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,912
Out-of-state: $76,080 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,100
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,730
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

About Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 18,138 students in Huntsville, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Sam Houston State University →

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

Computer Engineering Technology at Other Schools

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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 Technology at Sam Houston State University?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Computer Engineering Technology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Computer Engineering Technology careers?
With 67% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $447,400 in decade earnings vs $467,256 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Engineering Technology from Sam Houston State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →