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Computer Engineering at University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
67
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,029/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #154 of 174 Computer Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $848K $808K $648K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 12.3x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.6x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 67 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,632
Out-of-state: $143,216 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,596
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,101
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$93,398
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $80,029/yr, roughly in line with the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $80,029 far exceeding the $26,101 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #154 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places University of Rhode Island in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,822 students in Kingston, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rhode Island →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 174 schools offering Computer Engineering →

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($141,588) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($141,588) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($118,232) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($111,560) Duke University ($111,145) Santa Clara University ($103,804) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($103,123) Columbia University in the City of New York ($102,083)

Other Majors at University of Rhode Island

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($82,218) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,508) Chemical Engineering ($75,406) Ocean Engineering ($70,939) Mechanical Engineering ($70,724) Civil Engineering ($68,728) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,410) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($67,736)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of Rhode Island?
At 67/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at University of Rhode Island?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →