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Computer Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
85
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $86,636/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.1x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 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 $1,196K $1,118K $826K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.3x 18.1x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 7.6x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 85 78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,929
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$123,589
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $86,636 per year, Computer Engineering graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn slightly above the $78,694 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.

The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 71% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Engineering graduates.

The median debt load of $25,929 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #35 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $86,636 to $123,589 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accepts 57% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 30,435 students enrolled in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($96,432) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($83,364) Construction Engineering ($82,627) Industrial Engineering ($82,437) Chemical Engineering ($82,382) Applied Mathematics ($82,275) Engineering Mechanics ($81,735) Mechanical Engineering ($78,280)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
This program scores 85/100 — 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 $825,710 in decade earnings vs $1,196,460 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #35 of 174 programs nationally, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →