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
Earnings Distribution
How Iowa State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | $79,182 | $95,433 | +21% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $141,588 | $168,957 | +19% |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $141,588 | $168,957 | +19% |
| Santa Clara University | $103,804 | $159,782 | +54% |
| Duke University | $111,145 | $137,144 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $79,182 | $95,433 | $24,337 | 0.31 |
 University of IowaIowa City | $10,964 | $79,228 | — | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| 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 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.