Analysis
Computer engineering programs in Massachusetts command strong starting salaries, and comparable programs suggest Eastern Nazarene graduates should enter this competitive market earning around $87,000—roughly matching the state median and significantly outpacing the $79,000 national figure. With estimated debt of $26,866, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning your child could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross salary. That's a favorable financial position for any bachelor's degree.
The challenge here is context. Eastern Nazarene's smaller program size (which triggers the data suppression) means we're working with estimates based on peer programs across Massachusetts rather than this school's actual track record. The state's computer engineering landscape is dominated by established players—Northeastern, BU, and the UMass system—whose graduates report outcomes ranging from $82,000 to $99,000. Eastern Nazarene lacks the brand recognition and alumni network of these competitors, which matters in a field where connections and internship pipelines significantly impact job placement.
The fundamentals look sound: manageable debt paired with strong estimated earnings in a high-demand field. But you're essentially betting on Eastern Nazarene's ability to deliver outcomes similar to other Massachusetts programs without the proof points those schools can offer. If your child thrives in smaller environments and the school offers strong faculty relationships or specialized opportunities that justify the leap of faith, the financial framework supports it. Just recognize you're making that decision with less certainty than you'd have at programs with published outcomes.
Where Eastern Nazarene College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,610 | $87,304* | — | $26,866* | — | |
| $63,141 | $99,499* | $121,329 | $25,005* | 0.25 | |
| $65,168 | $93,995* | $110,259 | $26,866* | 0.29 | |
| $17,357 | $89,327* | $109,618 | $27,000* | 0.30 | |
| $16,570 | $85,280* | — | $27,000* | 0.32 | |
| $41,010 | $82,057* | — | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952* | — | $24,500* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Nazarene College, approximately 35% 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 median of 6 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.