Location: North Andover, MA•In-State Tuition: $51,786•Admission Rate: 74%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$87,304
Est. from MA median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,866
Est. from MA median (3 programs)

Analysis

Computer engineering programs in Massachusetts command strong starting salaries, and Merrimack's estimated outcomes suggest their graduates land squarely in this competitive market. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $87,300 would match the state median—putting Merrimack graduates in the same ballpark as UMass-Amherst and ahead of the national median by nearly $8,500. With estimated debt around $26,900, the financial math looks straightforward: graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary.

What makes this picture interesting is where Merrimack sits in Massachusetts's computer engineering landscape. The state's top programs—Northeastern, BU, UMass—all report actual outcomes between $82,000 and $99,500, a relatively tight range that suggests Massachusetts employers pay computer engineers well regardless of institutional prestige. The estimated debt is also nearly identical to the state median, indicating Merrimack's financial aid approach aligns with peer institutions. For a school with a 74% admission rate, these peer-derived figures suggest access to competitive outcomes without the selectivity pressures of the state's flagship programs.

The caveat is that these are estimates drawn from similar programs, not Merrimack's actual graduate outcomes. If their program delivers on what peer programs suggest, you're looking at manageable debt and solid earning potential. The real question is whether Merrimack's specific program—its faculty, industry connections, curriculum—can deliver results matching other Massachusetts computer engineering programs.

Where Merrimack College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Merrimack College (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Merrimack CollegeNorth Andover$51,786$87,304*—$26,866*—
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$99,499*$121,329$25,005*0.25
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$93,995*$110,259$26,866*0.29
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst$17,357$89,327*$109,618$27,000*0.30
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell$16,570$85,280*—$27,000*0.32
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$82,057*—$27,000*0.33
National Median—$78,952*—$24,500*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Merrimack College, approximately 15% 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 6 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.