Compare 177 Computer Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $89,538. Top programs: $168,957+.
Computer Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $111,769 and $168,957—a $57K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 178 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus leads with Computer Engineering graduates earning $168,957, well above the $89,533 average. Santa Clara University follows at $159,782, while Duke produces $137,144 earners. This variation—$31K between first and third place—proves program-specific factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Washington graduates borrow $14,615 and face just a 1.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Brigham Young offers even better family value at 2.9% total burden, proving that top programs can deliver affordability alongside strong outcomes.
Highest program earnings: $168,957
Strong outcomes ($127,592) with 69% acceptance
1.4% payment burden | Excellent
2.9% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $168,957 | 38 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $159,782 | 77 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | Good |
| #3 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $137,144 | 107 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Excellent |
| #4 | $135,287 | 58 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Excellent | |
| #5 | $128,131 | 74 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Excellent | |
| #6 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $127,592 | 65 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #7 | $127,047 | 276 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Excellent | |
| #8 | $126,160 | 124 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Excellent | |
| #9 | $122,307 | 158 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #10 | $122,137 | 341 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #11 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $121,329 | 109 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Good |
| #12 | $120,745 | 100 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Excellent | |
| #13 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $120,601 | 5 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | Good |
| #14 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $119,297 | 24 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Excellent |
| #15 | $118,191 | 85 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Excellent | |
| #16 | $117,059 | 98 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Excellent | |
| #17 | $115,744 | 76 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,192 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $115,102 | 42 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Good | |
| #19 | $114,658 | 55 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Excellent | |
| #20 | Villanova UniversityPrivate | $111,769 | 32 | $25,874 | Excellent | $40,000 | Good |
| #21 | $110,766 | 70 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Boston UniversityPrivate | $110,259 | 86 | $23,250 | Excellent | $39,000 | Good |
| #23 | $109,618 | 61 | $22,763 | Excellent | $26,243 | Good | |
| #24 | $108,499 | 98 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Good | |
| #25 | $107,608 | 97 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
