Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at DeVry University-Ohio

DeVry University-Ohio's Computer Engineering Technologies program shows promising earnings growth but requires families to navigate significant upfront debt. Starting salaries of $48,829 match national and state medians exactly, but what stands out is the 49% jump to $72,749 by year four—strong income growth that suggests graduates gain marketable skills. Among Ohio's seven programs in this field, this one ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it slightly above the state median.

The concerning element is the debt load. At $55,425, graduates carry nearly 80% more debt than the national median of $31,000—placing this program in the bottom 5% nationally for debt levels. With more than half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are borrowing heavily to finance this degree. The first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.14 means graduates owe more than they'll initially earn, which can make those early loan payments challenging.

The verdict hinges on that earnings trajectory. If your child can weather the first couple years of heavier debt payments, the year-four salary suggests this degree leads somewhere. But Ohio families have limited alternatives in this specific field (only seven programs statewide), so comparing against broader computer science or engineering programs might reveal better debt-to-value options. This path can work financially, but only if aggressive loan repayment becomes possible as earnings climb.