Computer Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $83,909/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #114 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 $885K $841K $667K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.8x 17.9x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.5x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,080
Out-of-state: $98,648 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,520
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of Alabama in Huntsville's Computer Engineering graduates start at $83,909/yr — above the $78,694 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,500 in median debt clears quickly against $83,909 in annual earnings.

A #114 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places University of Alabama in Huntsville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Alabama in Huntsville

A 74% acceptance rate means University of Alabama in Huntsville is accessible to most applicants, serving 6,650 students in Huntsville, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Alabama in Huntsville →

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 University of Alabama in Huntsville

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 does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville?
At 72/100, 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 University of Alabama in Huntsville?
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 →