Computer Engineering at Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $94,228/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #113 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 $1,084K $1,018K $768K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 3.9x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,804
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$179,504
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$115,714
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $94,228 at Villanova University come in 20% above the national median of $78,694 for Computer Engineering programs.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $94,228 far exceeding the $26,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #113 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places Villanova University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 23% earnings increase from $94,228 to $115,714 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Villanova University

Villanova University accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 7,005 students in Villanova, PA. The average net cost of $179,504 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Villanova 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

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Villanova University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at Villanova University?
At 73/100, 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 Villanova 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →