Analysis
Georgia Tech's Computer Engineering program launches graduates into six-figure earnings territory faster than nearly every competing program in the country. That $93,629 starting salary places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning they out-earn peers from 95% of similar programs. The $25,399 median debt is remarkably reasonable for this caliber of outcome, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27 that makes repayment straightforward even in expensive metro areas like Atlanta.
The state context tells an interesting story. While Georgia Tech dominates nationally, it's positioned in the middle of Georgia's Computer Engineering programs at the 60th percentile—a reflection of the state's strong tech sector rather than any weakness in the program. UGA and Kennesaw State produce similar earnings outcomes, suggesting Georgia's engineering talent pipeline is uniformly strong. What sets Tech apart is the combination of elite national reputation and in-state tuition for Georgia residents, making it an exceptional value for families who qualify.
The 13% earnings growth to $106,200 by year four demonstrates solid career progression, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates means these aren't fluky numbers. For parents weighing the competitive 16% admission rate, the payoff is clear: graduates enter a high-demand field with immediate earning power and manageable debt.
Where Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $93,629 | $106,200 | +13% |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $141,588 | $168,957 | +19% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $141,588 | $168,957 | +19% |
| Santa Clara University | $103,804 | $159,782 | +54% |
| Kennesaw State University | $77,455 | $87,629 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,764 | $93,629 | $106,200 | $25,399 | 0.27 | |
| $11,180 | $77,882 | — | $17,528 | 0.23 | |
| $5,786 | $77,455 | $87,629 | $27,000 | 0.35 | |
| 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 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 110 graduates with reported earnings and 100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.