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Computer Engineering at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $79,812/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)

ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #40 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	$1,125K	$1,054K	$789K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.8x	18.5x	13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.2x	5.9x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	74%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	86	84	77

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,948

Out-of-state: $180,056 (5.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,360

10% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$115,244

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Irvine's Computer Engineering program produces graduates earning $79,812/yr — within striking distance of the $78,694 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.5x 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 30% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,000 in median debt clears quickly against $79,812 in annual earnings.

At #40 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $79,812 to $115,244 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of California-Irvine

Admission to University of California-Irvine is competitive, with 26% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 29,494 in Irvine, CA.

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

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 California-Irvine

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University of California-Irvine?

This program scores 84/100 — 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 $789,293 in decade earnings vs $1,125,032 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of California-Irvine's Computer Engineering program stand out?

Ranked #40 of 174 programs nationally, University of California-Irvine 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 →