Computer Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
86 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
87
Optimistic
86
Base Case
80
Pessimistic
Earnings $103,123/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.7x earnings multiple (8.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 10%

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 $1,282K $1,194K $869K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.0x 18.7x 13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.3x 8.7x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 87 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)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (8.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$136,097
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $103,123 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign significantly outpace the $78,694 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 18.7x 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 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

The median debt load of $20,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #14 of 174 programs, this Computer Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 32% earnings increase from $103,123 to $136,097 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 34,623 in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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 does a 86/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 →