Computer Engineeringat University of California-Santa Cruz
Graduates earn $79,969/yr in their first year — about 2.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,309K; scenarios range from $935K to $1,411K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Santa Cruz
At $79,969/yr, Computer Engineering graduates from University of California-Santa Cruz land near the $78,694 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 22.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Computer Engineering carry above-average AI exposure (71% of tasks). The 34% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
The median debt load of $23,434 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
University of California-Santa Cruz ranks #24 among 174 Computer Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $79,969-to-$137,877 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
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 Santa Cruz'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 Santa Cruz stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Santa Cruz
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz
What does a 85/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 85/100, 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-Santa Cruz?
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-Santa Cruz one of the best schools for Computer Engineering?
Among 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's #24 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.