Analysis
Computer engineering programs in Ohio cluster tightly around $69,000-$70,000 in first-year earnings, and this program's estimated outcomes match that middle ground exactly. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates here would likely earn about $69,700 while carrying roughly $25,300 in debt—a manageable 0.36 ratio that suggests reasonable financial positioning. However, the regional campus location raises a practical question: students pursuing computer engineering typically benefit from proximity to tech employers and internship networks that larger urban campuses naturally provide.
The gap to Ohio's flagship programs is meaningful but not insurmountable. Cincinnati and Ohio State graduates start around $83,000—nearly $14,000 more annually—which compounds significantly over a career in a field where early trajectory matters. That said, the debt loads at those institutions often run higher too, and for students who need to stay near Zanesville or prefer a smaller campus environment, similar programs in Ohio suggest this path delivers solid engineering credentials without excessive borrowing.
The financial math works if this campus fits your family's specific circumstances—the debt is reasonable and the field has strong demand. But computer engineering is one of those degrees where institutional resources and employer connections can materially affect outcomes. Before committing, verify what lab facilities, faculty expertise, and career placement support actually exist at this regional campus versus what you'd access at Ohio University's main Athens campus or other engineering schools within driving distance.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville 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-Zanesville Campus, approximately 10% 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.