Location: Columbus, OH•In-State Tuition: $12,859•Out-of-State Tuition: $38,365•Admission Rate: 51%•Avg SAT: 1407
Median Earnings (1yr)
$83,342
72nd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$20,247
17% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.24 ManageableSample: 324 graduates

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

Ohio State University-Main CampusOther computer engineering programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio State University-Main Campus earns $83k — 72th percentile among computer engineering bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio State University-Main Campus$83,342$94,224+13%
Miami University-Oxford$71,836$89,462+25%
University of Toledo$68,597$79,264+16%
University of Akron Main Campus$69,070$79,209+15%
Cleveland State University$68,852$77,292+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$83,342$94,224$20,2470.24
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$83,489—$21,8750.26
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$71,836$89,462$27,0000.38
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton$11,188$70,345$76,266$25,0000.36
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$69,070$79,209$23,3200.34
Cleveland State UniversityCleveland$12,613$68,852$77,292$25,5470.37
National Median—$78,952—$24,5000.31

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 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.