Computer Engineering at Iowa State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Iowa State's Computer Engineering program delivers solid, if unspectacular, results that should satisfy most families looking for reliable career preparation. With starting salaries of $79,182 and debt of just $24,337, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—well within the range financial advisors consider healthy. The 21% earnings growth over four years suggests good long-term prospects, with graduates reaching $95,433 by their fourth year out.
The program performs right at national averages but falls slightly behind other Iowa options, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide compared to the 51st percentile nationally. This isn't necessarily concerning given Iowa State's high admission rate of 89%—the school provides strong outcomes while remaining accessible to a broad range of students. The debt load is actually slightly higher than Iowa's median of $21,918, but the difference is modest.
For families prioritizing affordability and solid job prospects over prestige, this program offers good value. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers, and starting salaries approaching $80,000 with reasonable debt represent a strong return on investment. While it may not be the top engineering program in Iowa, it provides dependable preparation for a high-demand field.
Where Iowa State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Iowa State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Iowa State University graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all computer engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | $79,182 | $95,433 | $24,337 | 0.31 |
| University of Iowa | $79,228 | — | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $78,952 | — | $24,500 | 0.31 |
Other Computer Engineering Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $79,228 | $19,500 |
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 Iowa State University, approximately 18% 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 357 graduates with reported earnings and 363 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.