Analysis
Oklahoma State's Computer Engineering program starts graduates at $72,820—nearly $1,000 above the state median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma's six programs. That state positioning matters: you're looking at one of the stronger in-state options for this major, though national comparisons tell a different story. The program lands at just the 28th percentile nationally, about $6,000 below the broader computer engineering median of $78,952.
The $23,000 debt load keeps this program financially viable. At a 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates earn back their debt in roughly four months of work—well within manageable territory. That's actually slightly better than both state and national debt medians, which helps offset the lower earning potential compared to top-tier programs.
The major caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates in the data means these numbers could shift considerably in either direction. Still, the fundamentals make sense for an Oklahoma family seeking an affordable, accessible path into computer engineering. With a 71% admission rate and reasonable costs, OSU offers a realistic entry point to a field where even below-average starting salaries translate to solid earning power. For in-state students comparing Oklahoma options, this program competes well—just don't expect Silicon Valley-level outcomes.
Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,234 | $72,820 | — | $23,000 | 0.32 | |
| $9,595 | $70,904 | — | $22,767 | 0.32 | |
| 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 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, approximately 26% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.