Median Earnings (1yr)
$72,820
28th percentile
60th percentile in Oklahoma
Median Debt
$23,000
6% below national median

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$72,820$23,0000.32
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$70,904$22,7670.32
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 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.