Computer Engineeringat University at Buffalo
Graduates earn $74,753/yr in their first year — about 5.0% below the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $950K; scenarios range from $730K to $1,008K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University at Buffalo
Graduates earn $74,753/yr, roughly in line with the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.0x 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 28% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $74,753 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #45 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, University at Buffalo scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $74,753 to $103,601 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 University at Buffalo'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 University at Buffalo stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University at Buffalo
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University at Buffalo, 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 University at Buffalo
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University at Buffalo?
This program scores 84/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
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 $729,619 in decade earnings vs $1,007,988 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.