Computer Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T delivers solid debt outcomes but surprisingly middling earnings for computer engineering—despite graduates starting near $79,000, they're trailing the state median by about $2,100 and barely hitting the national average. Among Missouri's six computer engineering programs, this ranks 40th percentile, with Mizzler grads earning roughly $4,200 more. The good news is significant: at just $27,000 in median debt, students here graduate with about $3,000 more borrowed than the state median but remain well below typical national debt loads, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34.

The modest 15% earnings growth to $90,600 by year four is respectable but unremarkable for the field. What makes this program viable is the combination of accessible admission (73% acceptance rate) and that low debt burden—students aren't paying premium prices for premium outcomes, which matters. The earnings aren't top-tier, but they're sufficient to comfortably handle repayment.

For families weighing Missouri options, understand you're choosing stability over standout performance. This isn't a bargain-basement program dragging down career prospects, but it's also not matching Missouri's flagship program despite both schools sharing similar in-state costs. If your student can get into Mizzou's computer engineering program, the $4,200 earnings difference is worth investigating. If Missouri S&T represents the more realistic admission path, the financial fundamentals still work—just recognize you're getting solid middle-of-the-pack outcomes rather than market-leading results.