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Computer Engineering at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
86 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
88
Optimistic
86
Base Case
80
Pessimistic
Earnings $96,418/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 21.8x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 5%

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 $1,432K $1,327K $946K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.5x 21.8x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.2x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 88 86 80

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,703
1.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$146,640
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $96,418/yr, edging above the $78,694 national average for Computer Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 21.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Engineering carry above-average AI exposure (71% of tasks). The 34% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $12,703 in median debt against $96,418 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of California-Davis ranks #9 among 174 Computer Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $96,418-to-$146,640 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

With a 42% acceptance rate, University of California-Davis is moderately selective, serving a student body of 31,777 in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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

Compare this program → View all 174 schools offering Computer Engineering →

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($141,588) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($141,588) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($118,232) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($111,560) Duke University ($111,145) Santa Clara University ($103,804) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($103,123) Columbia University in the City of New York ($102,083)

Compare Computer Engineering

University of California-Davis vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus → University of California-Davis vs University of Washington-Bothell Campus → University of California-Davis vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo → University of California-Davis vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,343) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419) Chemical Engineering ($68,337)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 86/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of California-Davis?
At 86/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at University of California-Davis?
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.
Is University of California-Davis one of the best schools for Computer Engineering?
Among 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of California-Davis's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →