Computer Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT's Computer Engineering program launches graduates into six-figure salaries within four years, with starting pay of $90,829 that jumps to $105,334—growth that outpaces inflation and signals strong career momentum. While the program ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among New York's engineering programs, trailing Columbia and Binghamton but matching or exceeding several private competitors. That state-level position reflects New York's concentrated strength in tech education rather than any weakness in RIT's outcomes.

The $28,500 in median debt translates to a remarkably low 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary. That's substantially better than the national median for computer engineering programs and places RIT in the 95th percentile for affordability. For a private university delivering these earnings, that debt load represents genuine value—you're getting near-Columbia outcomes without Columbia's price tag.

The 71% admission rate paired with a 1378 average SAT suggests RIT accepts strong students without demanding Ivy-level credentials, then delivers results that justify the investment. For families weighing private versus public options in New York, this program offers a compelling middle path: more accessible than the state's elite programs, yet producing graduates who quickly reach similar earning potential.