Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-Illinois

DeVry's Computer Engineering Technology program comes with the highest debt burden in the nation for this degree—$55,425 versus a $31,000 national median—and that creates real financial pressure despite solid long-term earnings. While graduates start at $48,829 (exactly the national median), they see impressive 49% earnings growth by year four, reaching $72,749. That trajectory helps justify the initial debt load, but the first couple of years will be tight: owing more than your annual salary right out of school means stretched budgets and delayed financial milestones.

The state context here is limited since DeVry is effectively the only tracked option for this specific program in Illinois, but the national picture tells the important story. You're taking on 79% more debt than the typical graduate in this field while starting at average earnings. The program serves a predominantly lower-income student body (65% receive Pell grants), which makes that debt burden particularly concerning—these students typically have less family support to weather lean early-career years.

If your child can access lower-cost alternatives—community college pathways, state universities with similar programs, or schools where they'd qualify for substantial aid—pursue those first. This program can work for students who exhaust cheaper options and need the flexibility of DeVry's format, but only if they're prepared for 3-4 years of aggressive debt repayment before the strong mid-career earnings provide breathing room.