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Systems Engineering at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $91,178/yr (21% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (57,100 openings/yr)

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #3 of 11 Systems Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,172K	$1,107K	$884K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.0x	13.2x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	4.8x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	74	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$83,944

Out-of-state: $232,056 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$91,524

-9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

2.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$131,258

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $91,178 at University of Virginia-Main Campus come in 21% above the national median of $75,193 for Systems Engineering programs.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Systems Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $91,178 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #3 ranking among 11 Systems Engineering programs places University of Virginia-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 44% earnings increase from $91,178 to $131,258 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 17,315 students in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Systems Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Systems Engineering at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

At 74/100, 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 Systems Engineering at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The 56% 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 →