Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-California

DeVry's Computer Engineering Technology graduates start at nearly $49,000—exactly at the national median—but here's the catch: among California's four schools offering this program, that places them in just the 25th percentile. Fresno Pacific graduates earn $70,000 right out of the gate, and California's state median sits at nearly $60,000. You're paying California tuition rates for below-average California outcomes.

The debt situation compounds this issue. At $55,425, graduates carry roughly 80% more debt than the national median of $31,000, meaning new graduates face a 1.14 debt-to-earnings ratio when peers elsewhere start with much cleaner balance sheets. The saving grace here is strong earnings growth—jumping to nearly $73,000 by year four represents a solid 49% increase. But you're essentially spending four years catching up to where stronger programs start.

For a family considering this program, understand you're making a calculated bet on long-term trajectory over immediate returns. That substantial debt load becomes manageable if the earnings growth continues, but the first few years will be financially tight compared to graduates from the state's stronger programs. If your child can access one of California's higher-performing options, that's the better path. DeVry works as a backup plan, not a first choice—especially given that over half the student body qualifies for Pell grants, suggesting many families here are stretching financially to begin with.