Location: Aurora, IL•In-State Tuition: $28,220•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1072
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$71,841
Est. from IL median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,146
Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

Computer engineering programs in Illinois show a striking divide: UIUC graduates command over $100,000 in their first year, while most other programs cluster around $70,000. Based on comparable programs across the state, Aurora's computer engineering graduates likely fall into this middle tier—respectable tech-sector earnings, but not the premium commanded by the state's elite engineering schools. The estimated $26,000 in debt, while slightly above the state median, translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36.

What's less certain is trajectory. The top-tier programs often provide access to competitive tech employers and stronger alumni networks that can accelerate career growth. Aurora serves a different population—with 43% of students on Pell grants and an 85% admission rate, it's educating students who might not have access to flagship universities. For these students, the estimated $71,000 starting salary represents a significant economic step up, assuming the program can deliver the technical skills employers demand.

The core question is whether Aurora can prepare students to compete for the same engineering roles as graduates from more selective programs. Without actual outcomes data from Aurora's program, you're relying on the assumption that similar programs produce similar results—an assumption that holds better in technical fields than most, but still carries risk at a school without an established engineering reputation.

Where Aurora University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Aurora University (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Aurora UniversityAurora$28,220$71,841*—$26,146*—
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$103,123*$122,137$20,500*0.20
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago$51,763$81,252*$87,437$26,500*0.33
Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville$12,922$71,841*—$23,125*0.32
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$71,148*$75,299$22,000*0.31
Loyola University ChicagoChicago$51,716$68,020*—$25,000*0.37
National Median—$78,952*—$24,500*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Aurora University, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.