Analysis
Ohio's computer engineering programs cluster fairly tightly around the $70,000 mark for first-year earnings, with Baldwin Wallace's estimated figure landing right at the state median. That puts it below both the national benchmark of $78,952 and Ohio's flagship programs—Ohio State and Cincinnati graduates typically start closer to $83,000—but on par with regional state universities like Akron and Wright State.
The estimated $26,146 in debt produces a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates from similar programs would need roughly five months of their first year's salary to cover their loans. This is reasonable for an engineering degree, though families should recognize that Baldwin Wallace's private school price tag doesn't translate to a salary premium over Ohio's public engineering programs. The comparable debt loads suggest similar financial aid packaging across both private and public institutions in the state.
For families evaluating this investment, the calculation is straightforward: you're paying private school tuition for outcomes that match mid-tier public universities. If your student values Baldwin Wallace's smaller class sizes and campus environment, these peer program outcomes suggest the degree won't be a financial burden. But if maximizing salary potential is the priority, Ohio's large research universities show a $10,000-$14,000 advantage in starting earnings—a gap worth considering given similar debt levels.
Where Baldwin Wallace University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,938 | $69,708* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $13,570 | $83,489* | — | $21,875* | 0.26 | |
| $12,859 | $83,342* | $94,224 | $20,247* | 0.24 | |
| $17,809 | $71,836* | $89,462 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $11,188 | $70,345* | $76,266 | $25,000* | 0.36 | |
| $12,799 | $69,070* | $79,209 | $23,320* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952* | — | $24,500* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Baldwin Wallace University, approximately 28% 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 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.