Computer Engineering at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
82 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
84
Optimistic
82
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings $83,243/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $908K $862K $679K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.1x 15.2x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.3x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 84 82 76

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$96,583
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Missouri-Columbia's Computer Engineering graduates start at $83,243/yr — above the $78,694 national average, though not by a wide margin.

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 25% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,500 in median debt clears quickly against $83,243 in annual earnings.

At #67 of 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of Missouri-Columbia scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $96,583 are relatively flat compared to the $83,243 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

A 77% acceptance rate means University of Missouri-Columbia is accessible to most applicants, with 23,118 students enrolled in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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 Missouri-Columbia

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 Missouri-Columbia?
This program scores 82/100 — 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 $678,693 in decade earnings vs $908,108 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →