Computer Engineering at Wichita State University

Wichita, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
81 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
83
Optimistic
81
Base Case
75
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,207/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 22.4x earnings multiple (10.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #75 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $879K $836K $664K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.6x 22.4x 17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.4x 10.9x 8.6x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 83 81 75

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,288
Out-of-state: $76,960 (10.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,104
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,865
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,791
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $66,207 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from Wichita State University earn below the $78,694 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.4x 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 24% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $21,865 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #75 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, Wichita State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $66,207 to $89,791 over five years — a 36% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Wichita State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Wichita State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 10,493 students in Wichita, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Wichita State University →

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

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wichita State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Wichita State University?
This program scores 81/100 — 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 $664,073 in decade earnings vs $879,429 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Engineering from Wichita State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →