Analysis
Computer engineering programs in Indiana produce starting salaries ranging from $67,500 to over $90,000, and based on similar programs statewide, Purdue Fort Wayne likely lands in the middle of that pack at around $75,500. That estimate aligns with the state median and sits just below the national benchmark of $79,000—reasonable territory for a regional Purdue campus with an 86% admission rate. The estimated $23,125 in debt yields a manageable 0.31 ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary.
The catch is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs since this specific campus doesn't report enough graduate data for the Department of Education to publish. We can't see how Purdue Fort Wayne's outcomes actually compare to flagship Purdue in West Lafayette (where grads reportedly earn $90,000) or whether the Fort Wayne location delivers value closer to Trine's $67,500. Computer engineering is generally a solid bet financially—the field commands strong salaries and the debt here looks reasonable—but you're making that bet without seeing this program's actual track record.
If your child has admission offers from programs with reported outcomes, compare those numbers directly. If Purdue Fort Wayne is the standout choice for location or cost reasons, the estimated financial picture suggests it could work—just recognize you're projecting based on what similar programs deliver, not what this one has demonstrated.
Where Purdue University Fort Wayne Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,254 | $75,484* | — | $23,125* | — | |
| $56,674 | $92,123* | $110,766 | $24,834* | 0.27 | |
| $9,992 | $89,965* | $103,645 | $23,000* | 0.26 | |
| $46,588 | $75,484* | — | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $10,449 | $71,986* | $84,634 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $35,600 | $67,500* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne, approximately 23% 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 5 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.