Compare 174 Computer Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $106,685. Top programs: $228,705+.
Computer Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $59,626 and $228,705—a $169K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 174 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The difference between the best and worst program can redefine a career trajectory entirely.
Topping the list, UCLA's Computer Engineering program delivers $228,705 in median earnings—well above the $106,685 national average. Columbia University ranks second at $194,365, while University of Washington-Seattle reaches $169,570 with a 39% acceptance rate. Public universities dominate the top ten, proving strong outcomes don't require the most selective admissions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UCLA graduates borrow just $14,000 in student loans and face a 0.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families weighing parent loans, Brigham Young University leads with a combined family burden of just 2.8%—also 'Excellent'—on $20,768 in total family debt. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →
Highest program earnings: $228,705
Strong outcomes ($133,111) with 68% acceptance
0.9% payment burden | Excellent
2.8% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $228,705 | 96 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $194,365 | 22 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Excellent | |
| #3 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $174,522 | 134 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Excellent |
| #4 | $169,570 | 49 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Excellent | |
| #5 | $166,369 | 45 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Excellent | |
| #6 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $163,765 | 83 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | Good |
| #7 | $159,855 | 318 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Excellent | |
| #8 | Bucknell UniversityPrivate | $156,885 | 32 | $27,000 | Excellent | $62,750 | Good |
| #9 | $152,422 | 117 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Excellent | |
| #10 | $149,139 | 167 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Excellent | |
| #11 | $148,950 | 158 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Excellent | |
| #12 | $148,175 | 51 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Excellent | |
| #13 | $145,422 | 119 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Excellent | |
| #14 | $144,703 | 72 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Excellent | |
| #15 | $142,071 | 116 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Excellent | |
| #16 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $135,416 | 114 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Excellent |
| #17 | Boston UniversityPrivate | $135,394 | 122 | $23,250 | Excellent | $39,000 | Good |
| #18 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $133,111 | 97 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #19 | $132,357 | 246 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Excellent | |
| #20 | $128,497 | 157 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Excellent | |
| #21 | University Of FloridaPublic | $128,140 | 118 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Excellent |
| #22 | Stony Brook UniversityPublic | $128,038 | 56 | $18,228 | Excellent | $21,400 | Excellent |
| #23 | New York UniversityPrivate | $127,201 | 38 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | Manageable |
| #24 | $127,042 | 192 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Excellent | |
| #25 | $126,356 | 28 | $18,450 | Excellent | $13,000 | Excellent |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
