Computer Engineering at Ohio State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ohio State's computer engineering program delivers strong financial returns that clearly outpace both state and national competition. With first-year earnings of $83,342, graduates earn nearly $20,000 more than the typical Ohio computer engineering graduate and rank in the 72nd percentile nationally. Among Ohio's 23 programs, this essentially ties for the top spot with University of Cincinnati, making it one of the state's premier options for this field.
The debt picture reinforces the program's value. At $20,247, student debt runs about $5,000 below both state and national medians for computer engineering programs. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their educational investment in under three years if they focus their resources. The 13% earnings growth to $94,224 by year four shows solid career progression in a field known for strong advancement opportunities.
For parents weighing options, this represents one of Ohio's best computer engineering investments. The combination of above-average starting salaries, below-average debt, and Ohio State's established industry connections creates a compelling financial case. With robust sample sizes backing these numbers, you can trust this data reflects typical outcomes rather than outliers.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn $83k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all computer engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $83,342 | $94,224 | $20,247 | 0.24 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $83,489 | — | $21,875 | 0.26 |
| Miami University-Oxford | $71,836 | $89,462 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $70,345 | $76,266 | $25,000 | 0.36 |
| University of Akron Main Campus | $69,070 | $79,209 | $23,320 | 0.34 |
| Cleveland State University | $68,852 | $77,292 | $25,547 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $78,952 | — | $24,500 | 0.31 |
Other Computer Engineering Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati | $13,570 | $83,489 | $21,875 |
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $71,836 | $27,000 |
| Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton | $11,188 | $70,345 | $25,000 |
| University of Akron Main Campus Akron | $12,799 | $69,070 | $23,320 |
| Cleveland State University Cleveland | $12,613 | $68,852 | $25,547 |
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 Ohio State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 324 graduates with reported earnings and 293 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.