Computer Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
84
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $89,327/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 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 $1,191K $1,113K $823K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 16.0x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.1x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 84 78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,764
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$123,984
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $89,327 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from University of Massachusetts-Amherst earn slightly above the $78,694 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.

The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 71% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Engineering graduates.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #42 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $89,327 to $123,984 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 23,694 students in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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 Massachusetts-Amherst

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
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 $822,872 in decade earnings vs $1,190,897 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #42 of 174 programs nationally, University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 →