Analysis
Similar programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $70,000 for this bachelor's in Computer Engineering—a solid starting point that puts graduates well above typical entry-level salaries. The estimated debt of just over $25,000 translates to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first year's salary. For engineering credentials, this financial profile looks reasonable.
However, Ohio's computer engineering programs show considerable variation in outcomes. The top performers in the state—Cincinnati and Ohio State—report graduates earning $83,000+, about $13,000 more than what peer programs to Ohio University-Lancaster typically produce. Whether this gap reflects differences in curriculum rigor, employer networks, or student preparation isn't clear from the data alone, but it's worth investigating what distinguishes Lancaster's program from Ohio's flagship engineering schools.
The low Pell grant percentage (9%) suggests this campus serves primarily middle- to upper-income students, which may indicate limited financial aid resources for families who need them. If your student is considering this program, visit the campus to understand the engineering facilities, faculty credentials, and corporate recruiting presence—factors that could explain whether this branch campus can compete with Ohio's established engineering programs despite comparable debt loads.
Where Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $69,708* | — | $25,274* | — | |
| $13,570 | $83,489* | — | $21,875* | 0.26 | |
| $12,859 | $83,342* | $94,224 | $20,247* | 0.24 | |
| $17,809 | $71,836* | $89,462 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $11,188 | $70,345* | $76,266 | $25,000* | 0.36 | |
| $12,799 | $69,070* | $79,209 | $23,320* | 0.34 | |
| 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 Ohio University-Lancaster Campus, approximately 9% 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 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.