Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Brigham Young University-Idaho

BYU-Idaho's Computer Engineering Technologies program produces graduates earning $75,836 within a year—55% more than the national median for this degree and in the 95th percentile nationally. With just $15,539 in median debt (half the national average), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means students typically owe less than three months of their first year's salary. This is exceptional value for a technical bachelor's degree, especially at a school with a 97% admission rate that accepts students well below typical engineering program selectivity thresholds.

The Idaho comparison is less relevant here since only two schools offer this program statewide, but the real story is how this affordable option stacks up nationally. While graduates aren't competing for Silicon Valley salaries, they're earning solidly above most computer engineering tech programs elsewhere while carrying minimal debt. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't fluky numbers—this is a well-established pipeline into good-paying technical roles.

For families seeking a practical engineering path without elite admissions requirements or crushing debt loads, this program delivers. The tradeoff is accepting a less prestigious credential and likely working in smaller tech markets, but the financial fundamentals are hard to beat. Students graduate positioned to pay off loans quickly and build wealth early in their careers.