Computer Engineering at California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
83 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
85
Optimistic
83
Base Case
77
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,266/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 33.9x earnings multiple (13.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #52 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 $1,097K $1,030K $775K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 36.1x 33.9x 25.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.1x 13.2x 9.9x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 83 77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,408
Out-of-state: $77,928 (13.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,048
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$107,734
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $66,266 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from California State University-Sacramento earn below the $78,694 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 33.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $17,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #52 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places California State University-Sacramento in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $66,266-to-$107,734 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Sacramento

With 94% of applicants admitted, California State University-Sacramento prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 27,867 in Sacramento, CA. 49% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Sacramento →

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 California State University-Sacramento

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 does a 83/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at California State University-Sacramento?
At 83/100, 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 Computer Engineering at California State University-Sacramento?
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.
Is California State University-Sacramento a good choice for Computer Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Sacramento's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →