Computer Engineeringat University of South Carolina-Columbia
Graduates earn $73,982/yr in their first year — about 6.0% below the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $797K; scenarios range from $642K to $835K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina-Columbia's Computer Engineering program produces graduates earning $73,982/yr — within striking distance of the $78,694 national average for this field.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.7x 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.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,675 in median debt clears quickly against $73,982 in annual earnings.
At #87 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of South Carolina-Columbia scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $87,710 are relatively flat compared to the $73,982 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.
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 South Carolina'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 South Carolina stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Carolina
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Carolina, 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 South Carolina
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
This program scores 80/100 — 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 $641,656 in decade earnings vs $835,465 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.