Computer Engineering at North Carolina A & T State University

North Carolina A&T's computer engineering program graduates earn $80,685 their first year out—solidly above the national average and within striking distance of NC State's $83,000. Yet here's the disconnect: among the nine computer engineering programs in North Carolina, this ranks only in the 40th percentile despite being just $1,200 below the state median. That's because NC's computer engineering landscape is exceptionally strong, with Duke pushing six figures and even UNC Charlotte placing grads at $71,000. A&T sits in the middle of this competitive field, but that middle still outperforms most programs nationally.

The financial terms work in students' favor. With $31,000 in debt—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt—graduates face a comfortable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio. They'd dedicate less than 40% of one year's salary to clear their loans, well below the concerning threshold. Given that half of A&T students receive Pell grants, this combination of manageable debt and strong earnings makes the program particularly valuable for students from families who might otherwise struggle to access engineering careers. The earnings aren't Duke-level, but the accessibility and solid outcomes create a reliable pathway into a lucrative field without the crushing debt that often accompanies it.