Analysis
Computer engineering programs in New Jersey cluster tightly around $84,000 in first-year earnings, and peer programs at similar institutions suggest Monmouth graduates likely fall in that range—right at the state median and notably above the $79,000 national benchmark. With an estimated $26,000 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 puts this squarely in manageable territory for an engineering degree.
What's reassuring here is the narrow spread among New Jersey programs. Stevens leads at $89,000, but even NJIT at $68,000 isn't drastically lower, suggesting the regional job market supports computer engineering graduates regardless of school prestige. Monmouth's 90% admission rate and middling SAT scores might worry some parents, but engineering employers care more about technical competence than institutional selectivity—and the estimated earnings suggest Monmouth students land comparable roles to those from more competitive state programs.
The caveat: these figures come from a small number of comparable programs, not Monmouth's actual graduate outcomes. Still, the pattern is encouraging. A $26,000 debt load that could reasonably be paid off in under a year of full earnings is exactly what you want to see for a technical bachelor's degree. If your child is genuinely interested in computer engineering and can handle the coursework, this appears to be a solid investment at an accessible institution.
Where Monmouth University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,850 | $84,241* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $60,952 | $89,001* | $115,744 | $26,930* | 0.30 | |
| $18,685 | $84,241* | — | $25,725* | 0.31 | |
| $19,022 | $67,640* | $94,869 | $22,375* | 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 Monmouth University, approximately 30% 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 3 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.