Computer Engineering at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
82 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
84
Optimistic
82
Base Case
75
Pessimistic
Earnings $83,934/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #63 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 $961K $909K $706K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 14.2x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.2x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 84 82 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)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$101,837
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $83,934/yr, edging above the $78,694 national average for Computer Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x 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 27% gap from the optimistic case.

At $23,000 in median debt against $83,934 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #63 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, Michigan State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $83,934 to $101,837 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Michigan State University?
This program scores 82/100 — 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 $705,894 in decade earnings vs $961,455 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →