Computer Engineering at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
87
Optimistic
85
Base Case
79
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,820/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 29.3x earnings multiple (10.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 25%

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 $1,332K $1,238K $895K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 31.5x 29.3x 21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.0x 10.2x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 87 85 79

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,240
Out-of-state: $121,400 (10.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,720
-75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,750
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$128,966
75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $73,820/yr, Computer Engineering graduates from Stony Brook University land near the $78,694 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 29.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.

The 33% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 71% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Engineering graduates.

The median debt load of $19,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #30 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $128,966 show a 75% jump from the $73,820 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University accepts 49% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 17,420 students in Stony Brook, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Stony Brook 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at Stony Brook University?
This program scores 85/100 — 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 $894,763 in decade earnings vs $1,331,899 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Stony Brook University's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #30 of 174 programs nationally, Stony Brook University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →