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Computer Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $82,398/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)

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

ROI 23.5x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #29 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	$1,008K	$950K	$729K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	24.9x	23.5x	18.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.1x	8.6x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	74%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	87	85	79

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,432

Out-of-state: $110,992 (8.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,696

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,240

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$105,749

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $82,398/yr, Computer Engineering graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln land near the $78,694 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 23.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 28% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,240 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln ranks #29 among 174 Computer Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 28% earnings increase from $82,398 to $105,749 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Nebraska-Lincoln prioritizes broad access, enrolling 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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 Nebraska-Lincoln

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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 does a 85/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

At 85/100, 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 Nebraska-Lincoln?

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.

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln one of the best schools for Computer Engineering?

Among 174 Computer Engineering programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's #29 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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