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Computer Engineering at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $79,620/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)

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

ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #136 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	$844K	$805K	$646K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.0x	15.2x	12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.3x	6.0x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	74%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	71	70	63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$52,848

Out-of-state: $133,624 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,872

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

3.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$91,268

15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $79,620/yr, roughly in line with the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.2x 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 23% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $79,620 far exceeding the $21,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #136 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of Kentucky falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 23,189 in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University of Kentucky?

This program scores 70/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

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 $645,957 in decade earnings vs $843,897 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →