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Computer Engineering at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $76,812/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)

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

ROI 23.5x earnings multiple (9.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #116 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	$817K	$781K	$632K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	24.6x	23.5x	19.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.1x	9.7x	7.8x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	74%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	74	72	66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,160

Out-of-state: $80,680 (9.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,696

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,249

2.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

San Diego State University's Computer Engineering program produces graduates earning $76,812/yr — within striking distance of the $78,694 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 23.5x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,249 in median debt clears quickly against $76,812 in annual earnings.

Ranked #116 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, San Diego State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About San Diego State University

Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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 San Diego State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at San Diego State University?

This program scores 72/100 — 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 $632,235 in decade earnings vs $816,983 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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