Computer Engineeringat San Diego State University
Graduates earn $76,812/yr in their first year — about 2.0% below the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $781K; scenarios range from $632K to $817K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at San Diego State
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.
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 San Diego State'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 San Diego State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at San Diego State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at San Diego State, 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 San Diego State
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.