Computer Engineering at Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
74
Optimistic
72
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,942/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #120 of 174 Computer Engineering programs

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 $1,068K $1,003K $760K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.3x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 72 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,820
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$110,682
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $80,942 track close to the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 4.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 71% task exposure — and the 29% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $27,000 in median debt against $80,942 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #120 out of 174 programs, Clarkson University's financial outcomes for Computer Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $80,942 to $110,682 shows 37% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Clarkson University

Clarkson University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,449 students in Potsdam, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,820 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarkson 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 Clarkson University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Clarkson University's Computer Engineering program score?
A score of 72/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Clarkson University trails the majority of Computer Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 71% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →