Computer Engineering at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $103,804/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #93 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 $1,983K $1,817K $1,227K
Earnings Multiple 8.4x 7.7x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,964
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$203,836
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,833
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$191,635
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Santa Clara University's Computer Engineering program earn $103,804/yr in their first year — 32% above the $78,694 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

A 7.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

Career paths for Computer Engineering carry above-average AI exposure (71% of tasks). The 38% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $24,833 in median debt against $103,804 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #93 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places Santa Clara University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $103,804-to-$191,635 earnings arc over five years reflects a 85% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Santa Clara University

With a 44% acceptance rate, Santa Clara University is moderately selective, serving 6,235 students in Santa Clara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 77/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at Santa Clara University?
At 77/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at Santa Clara University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →