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Computer Engineering at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,484/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #165 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 $804K $769K $626K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.1x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,352
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,332
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $75,484 track close to the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 4.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 in median debt against $75,484 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #165 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places Valparaiso University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,229 in Valparaiso, IN. The average net cost of $86,332 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Valparaiso University →

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

Compare this program → View all 174 schools offering Computer Engineering →

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($141,588) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($141,588) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($118,232) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($111,560) Duke University ($111,145) Santa Clara University ($103,804) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($103,123) Columbia University in the City of New York ($102,083)

Other Majors at Valparaiso University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,747) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($73,662) Civil Engineering ($69,549) Mechanical Engineering ($68,265) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($67,129) Computer Science ($59,863) Accounting and Related Services ($57,766) Finance and Financial Management Services ($55,399)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at Valparaiso University?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at Valparaiso University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Computer Engineering at Valparaiso University?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $186,352. At a net cost of $86,332, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →