Computer Engineeringat University of Kentucky
Graduates earn $79,620/yr in their first year — about 1.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $805K; scenarios range from $646K to $844K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Kentucky
Graduates earn $79,620/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 15.2x 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.
With first-year pay of $79,620 far exceeding the $21,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #136 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of Kentucky 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 University of Kentucky'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 of Kentucky stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Kentucky
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Kentucky, 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 of Kentucky
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University of Kentucky?
This program scores 70/100 — 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 $645,957 in decade earnings vs $843,897 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.