Computer Engineeringat Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Graduates earn $86,636/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,118K; scenarios range from $826K to $1,196K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Virginia Tech
At $86,636 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn slightly above the $78,694 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.
The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 71% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Engineering graduates.
The median debt load of $25,929 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
At #35 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $86,636 to $123,589 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 Virginia Tech'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 Virginia Tech stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Virginia Tech
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Virginia Tech, 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 Virginia Tech
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
This program scores 85/100 — 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 $825,710 in decade earnings vs $1,196,460 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #35 of 174 programs nationally, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.