Analysis
Liberty's Computer Engineering program comes with estimated debt of $26,146—slightly above the national median but manageable given the field's earning potential. When peer programs in Virginia produce first-year earnings around $86,636, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross earnings. That's a solid financial foundation for starting a career in a high-demand field.
What's worth noting is the range among Virginia's computer engineering programs. While UVA graduates command nearly $120,000 their first year, and George Mason sits right at the state median, there's a $48,000 spread between top and bottom performers in the state. Liberty's estimated placement at the state median suggests competitive positioning, particularly given the university's 99% admission rate and significant population of Pell grant recipients (39%). The program appears accessible while maintaining earnings potential that keeps pace with more selective institutions.
The financial math here works in your child's favor. Computer engineering consistently delivers strong returns, and if Liberty's outcomes align with similar Virginia programs—which produced the median figures used here—your child would enter the workforce earning roughly 3.3 times their total debt load. Just recognize these are peer-program estimates, not Liberty's verified outcomes, so you'll want to connect with recent alumni to validate the career placement experience.
Where Liberty University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,222 | $86,636* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $20,986 | $118,232* | $135,287 | $16,875* | 0.14 | |
| $13,815 | $87,466* | $99,351 | $26,697* | 0.31 | |
| $15,478 | $86,636* | $107,350 | $26,000* | 0.30 | |
| $16,458 | $82,964* | — | $23,813* | 0.29 | |
| $12,262 | $70,298* | $96,247 | $23,360* | 0.33 | |
| 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 Liberty University, approximately 39% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.