Analysis
Computer engineering programs in New York typically launch graduates into strong starting salaries, and the estimated $80,942 for this CUNY program aligns with the state median—though it's important to know these figures come from peer programs across New York's public universities, not from CUNY Graduate Center's own graduates in this major. The estimated debt of $23,468 is slightly below both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 that suggests graduates could reasonably manage loan payments on their starting income.
The challenge is context. Computer engineering at top New York programs—Columbia, RIT, Binghamton—produces first-year earnings ranging from $87,000 to over $102,000 according to reported data. The CUNY estimate sits $10,000 below even mid-tier state competitors. While similar programs statewide suggest solid outcomes, you're working without visibility into how this specific program's graduates actually fare in the job market. That matters in a field where employer connections, curriculum rigor, and co-op opportunities can significantly impact starting positions.
The fundamentals look workable: reasonable debt for a technical degree with strong earning potential. But given the unknowns and the performance gap suggested by peer comparisons, you'd want to dig into this program's industry partnerships, internship placement rates, and where graduates actually land jobs before committing.
Where CUNY Graduate School and University Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,410 | $80,942* | — | $23,468* | — | |
| $69,045 | $102,083* | — | —* | — | |
| $57,016 | $90,829* | $105,334 | $28,500* | 0.31 | |
| $10,363 | $86,938* | $97,721 | $23,945* | 0.28 | |
| $63,061 | $84,793* | — | —* | — | |
| $60,438 | $82,183* | $96,016 | $19,000* | 0.23 | |
| 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 CUNY Graduate School and University Center, approximately 38% 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 11 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.