Computer Engineering at Rasmussen University-Kansas

Rasmussen University-Kansas produces computer engineering graduates who start at $48,263—identical to the national median—but here's what makes this program stand out: the debt load of $23,635 is remarkably low for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that puts students in a strong financial position from day one. While Kansas only has one school offering this associate's degree, making state comparisons limited, the program's 95th percentile national ranking suggests it's punching well above its weight for a regional campus serving a predominantly lower-income population (57% Pell eligible).

The 16% earnings growth to $56,172 by year four shows solid career progression, and that sub-0.5 debt ratio means most graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with one year's salary. For families concerned about educational debt, this represents one of the safer bets in technical education—you're getting competitive computer engineering outcomes without the crushing debt burden that often comes with four-year programs or for-profit institutions.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) warrants some caution, but the combination of strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and upward earnings trajectory makes this a program worth serious consideration for students interested in computer engineering who want to minimize financial risk while entering a high-demand field.