Computer Engineering at Manhattan University

Manhattan University's computer engineering graduates earn slightly below both national and state medians—$77,463 versus $78,952 nationally and $80,942 across New York. Among New York's 17 computer engineering programs, this places graduates in the 40th percentile, trailing peers at SUNY Binghamton ($86,938) and RIT ($90,829) by roughly $10,000 annually. However, the program keeps debt remarkably low at $27,000, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally. That 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about four months' salary—a manageable burden that provides real financial flexibility early in their careers.

The tradeoff here is straightforward: slightly lower starting salaries in exchange for minimal debt. For computer engineering, where $77,000 still represents strong entry-level compensation, this could work well for families prioritizing financial security over maximizing initial earnings. The 78% admission rate and moderate academic profile suggest this serves students who might not access more selective programs, making it a viable pathway into engineering careers without crushing debt loads.

The major caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates provided this data, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. But if these numbers hold, parents should view this as a solid middle-ground option: reasonable starting pay without the debt burden that often accompanies New York engineering degrees.