Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,829
Est. from national median (29 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,126
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

In Kentucky, where Eastern Kentucky University is the only institution offering this bachelor's program in computer engineering technology, peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $48,800—rising to approximately $51,900 by year four. That modest four-year trajectory is worth noting, as similar technology programs often show steeper growth curves when graduates gain specialized certifications or move into engineering roles.

The estimated $25,000 debt load looks manageable against these earnings projections, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 that suggests graduates could reasonably pay down loans within a few years. Nationally, comparable programs carry median debt closer to $31,000, so if this estimate holds true, Eastern Kentucky students would be entering the workforce with less financial burden than typical peers. However, the shallow earnings growth between years one and four raises questions about whether this specific program provides the technical depth or industry connections that drive rapid salary advancement in tech fields.

The caveat here is substantial: with suppressed data for both earnings and debt, you're making decisions based on national patterns rather than Eastern Kentucky's actual track record. Before committing, push the school for graduate outcomes—employment rates, job titles, and whether alumni are working as technicians (lower ceiling) or transitioning into engineering roles (higher upside). The debt estimate seems favorable, but only verified placement data will tell you if this program delivers competitive career momentum.

Where Eastern Kentucky University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Eastern Kentucky University$51,938
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute$94,722$119,498+26%
Oregon Institute of Technology$82,242$93,175+13%
University of Houston$56,527$73,327+30%
University of Houston-Downtown$68,144$73,092+7%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond$10,130$48,829*$51,938$25,126*
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy$61,884$94,722*$119,498$23,582*0.25
Oregon Institute of TechnologyKlamath Falls$12,687$82,242*$93,175$31,000*0.38
Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg$4,656$75,836*$15,539*0.20
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$73,355*$30,750*0.42
Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno$35,558$70,403**
National Median$48,829*$31,000*0.63
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 Eastern Kentucky University, approximately 39% 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 national median of 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.