Computer Engineering at Drury University

Computer engineering graduates from comparable programs typically face manageable debt loads, and the estimated $26,146 here suggests Drury follows that pattern. With first-year earnings around $79,000—in line with national benchmarks for the field—the 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates graduates would likely dedicate about four months of gross income to repay what they borrowed. That's reasonable for an engineering credential, though Missouri's median for this major sits slightly higher at $81,000, and top programs like Mizzou report outcomes above $83,000.

The challenge is that these are peer-program estimates rather than Drury's actual outcomes, a common situation at smaller schools where graduate cohorts don't meet federal reporting thresholds. What we know: computer engineering degrees generally deliver solid returns, and the estimated debt burden wouldn't be crushing on a typical engineering salary. What we don't know: whether Drury's specific curriculum, industry connections, and placement support match the peer programs these estimates draw from.

For families comfortable with some uncertainty, the projected numbers suggest this could work financially—engineering credentials tend to justify their cost. But you're essentially betting on Drury performing at the national median without direct evidence. If your child has strong admissions profiles at the state's flagship programs where outcomes are documented, those provide more certainty about return on investment.