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Computer Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $85,280/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)

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

ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #148 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	$898K	$853K	$674K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	12.9x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.3x	6.0x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	74%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	70	68	62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$66,280

Out-of-state: $141,584 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,508

-12% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,277

3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $85,280 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from University of Massachusetts-Lowell earn slightly above the $78,694 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.9x 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 25% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $26,277 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #148 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of Massachusetts-Lowell falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Massachusetts-Lowell

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Massachusetts-Lowell prioritizes broad access, serving 11,632 students in Lowell, MA.

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

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-Lowell

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?

This program scores 68/100 — 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 $673,616 in decade earnings vs $898,144 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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