Computer Engineering at California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach's computer engineering program delivers exactly what budget-conscious California families should want: strong graduate earnings with exceptionally low debt. First-year graduates earn nearly $80,000, outpacing the state median by $4,000 and ranking in the 60th percentile among California's 31 computer engineering programs—all while carrying just $15,759 in debt. That's about $3,000 less than the state median and $9,000 below the national average, putting this program in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt burden.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means graduates owe roughly two-and-a-half months of their first-year salary—a comfortable starting position that leaves room to save, invest, or tackle debt aggressively. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $95,000, showing solid career progression. While this doesn't match the six-figure salaries from Cal Poly SLO or Santa Clara, the cost differential makes the comparison less straightforward. Nearly half of Long Beach students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families couldn't easily access those higher-priced options anyway.

For families weighing in-state public universities, this program punches above its weight. You're getting competitive computer engineering outcomes without the crushing debt that often accompanies technical degrees elsewhere. The combination of manageable borrowing and reliable earnings growth makes this a practical path into a lucrative field.