Computer Engineering at Elon University

Similar computer engineering programs in North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $82,000, which would position Elon's graduates competitively with NC State and NC A&T, though well behind Duke's engineering powerhouse. With estimated debt of $26,000, this translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32—manageable by engineering standards, where graduates typically handle these loan levels within a few years.

The challenge is that these figures are drawn from peer programs across the state, not Elon's actual graduate outcomes. Computer engineering programs can vary significantly in rigor, industry connections, and placement success. Elon's 67% admission rate and relatively modest SAT profile differ considerably from the state's top-performing programs, which could impact both starting salaries and employer recognition. Just 9% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting most families here can weather uncertainty better than average.

The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if they hold true—a debt burden that's less than four months of projected salary is workable for any engineering graduate. But without actual placement data, you're betting that Elon's smaller program delivers outcomes comparable to much larger state schools. If your child has admission offers from NC State or Charlotte where actual data exists, those programs offer more certainty about the return on investment.