Compare 46 Computer Engineering. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $86,362.
With top graduates earning $122,137, Computer Engineering stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $35K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Computer Engineering program leads with graduates earning $122,137, followed closely by Northwestern at $119,297. The average across 46 Midwest programs is $86,362, yet these top performers demonstrate how specific programs can significantly outpace regional norms regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Northwestern graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 2.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. When parent loans are included, Northwestern maintains the lead with a 6.5% family burden—proof that top programs can also be financially accessible.
Highest program earnings: $122,137
Strong outcomes with 73% acceptance
2.1% payment burden | Excellent
6.5% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $122,137 | 341 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $119,297 | 24 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Excellent |
| #3 | $117,059 | 98 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $110,766 | 70 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $107,608 | 97 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #6 | $107,333 | 33 | $23,199 | Excellent | $14,621 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $103,645 | 219 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #8 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $95,433 | 295 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Good |
| #9 | $95,354 | 57 | $21,000 | Excellent | $25,798 | Good | |
| #10 | $94,603 | 73 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Good | |
| #11 | $94,224 | 421 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #12 | $92,617 | 65 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Good | |
| #13 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $92,554 | 46 | $22,750 | Excellent | $17,858 | Good |
| #14 | $92,342 | 64 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $90,622 | 69 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Good | |
| #16 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $89,462 | 56 | $23,000 | Excellent | $34,512 | Manageable |
| #17 | $88,667 | 82 | $27,000 | Excellent | $34,081 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $87,437 | 31 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Manageable | |
| #19 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | $87,293 | 16 | $23,940 | Excellent | $45,500 | Manageable |
| #20 | $86,396 | 19 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $85,731 | 33 | $22,500 | Excellent | $16,132 | Good | |
| #22 | $84,723 | 51 | $21,977 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #23 | $84,634 | 28 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Good | |
| #24 | $83,489 | 46 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Good | |
| #25 | Kettering UniversityPrivate | $82,580 | 31 | $27,000 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable |
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 →
