Computer Engineeringat University of California-Davis
Graduates earn $96,418/yr in their first year — about 23.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,327K; scenarios range from $946K to $1,432K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Davis
Your strong earnings potential from UC Davis Computer Engineering reflects the program's strategic location and deep ties to the Bay Area tech ecosystem. Graduates are highly sought after by leading tech firms in Silicon Valley, as well as innovative startups throughout California, leveraging a curriculum often praised for its blend of theoretical depth and practical, project-based application. This prepares you for diverse roles, from designing next-generation hardware to architecting complex software systems.
However, the high AI risk associated with these fields means continuous skill development is crucial. To stay ahead, focus on mastering advanced problem-solving, ethical AI considerations, and interdisciplinary applications. Actively pursue internships and research opportunities to build a specialized portfolio that differentiates you in a rapidly evolving job market.
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 UC Davis'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 UC Davis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Davis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Davis, 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 UC Davis
What does a 86/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of California-Davis?
At 86/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at University of California-Davis?
The 71% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Davis one of the best schools for Computer Engineering?
Among 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of California-Davis's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.