Computer Engineering at Portland State University

Portland State's Computer Engineering program produces graduates earning $87,259 their first year out—solidly above the national median of $79,000 and ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally. The debt load of $35,166 is higher than typical for computer engineering programs (95th percentile), but the 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates should be able to manage payments without too much strain. For context, tech employers in Portland include Intel, Tektronix, and a growing startup scene, which helps explain the strong earnings.

Here's the catch: only two schools in Oregon offer this specific degree, and the sample size here is under 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift significantly year to year. That said, the fundamentals look sound. Computer engineering graduates generally command strong salaries, and Portland State's open admission policy (91% acceptance rate) means your child can access these outcomes without needing a perfect high school record. The 40% Pell grant rate suggests the school successfully serves students from varied economic backgrounds.

For families willing to accept some uncertainty around the small sample size, this program offers a practical path into a lucrative field. The debt is manageable relative to earnings, and the career prospects in Portland's tech sector are solid. Just recognize you're working with limited data here—talk to current students and recent graduates to get a fuller picture.