Computer Engineering at Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State's Computer Engineering program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—graduates earn around $77,500 their first year, nearly identical to Georgia's median and just slightly below the national benchmark. What distinguishes this program is its exceptionally low debt burden. At $27,000, graduates owe about $2,000 more than the national median, but that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, placing them in the 5th percentile for debt nationally. In practical terms, your child could comfortably pay off their loans within 4-5 years of graduation while still enjoying the strong salary that engineering careers provide.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth—from $77,500 to $87,600 over four years—which is exactly what you want to see in a technical field. Yes, Georgia Tech graduates start $16,000 ahead, but they also face significantly higher competition for admission and likely carry more debt. For a student who gets into both, Tech might be worth the extra investment. But for the majority of capable engineering students, Kennesaw delivers solid outcomes at a reasonable price point.

The bottom line: This is a sensible choice that balances financial accessibility with respectable earning power. Your child won't graduate at the top of Georgia's engineering salary range, but they won't be drowning in debt either—and that lighter financial burden provides real freedom in those crucial early career years.