Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
RIT's Computer Engineering Technology program delivers exactly what parents hope for: strong earnings without crushing debt. At $73,355 in first-year median earnings, graduates earn 50% more than the national median for this degree and significantly outpace New York's state median of $53,624. The debt load of $30,750 is essentially average for this field, but the strong earnings make it manageable—graduates earn roughly $2.40 for every dollar of debt, a comfortable ratio that allows for quick payoff.
Among New York's eight programs in this field, RIT sits firmly in second place behind only Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (which commands $94,722 but likely comes with higher debt and more competitive admissions). The gap between RIT and the third-place option—Farmingdale State College at $58,419—is substantial enough to justify any tuition premium over public alternatives. RIT's 71% admission rate and relatively accessible SAT profile (1378 average) mean this isn't an impossibly selective program, yet it delivers near-elite outcomes.
The value proposition is straightforward: this program provides a clear path to solid middle-class earnings in technical fields without the stratospheric debt that often accompanies private universities. For families weighing cost versus outcomes, RIT's Computer Engineering Technology degree appears to justify its investment through measurably superior earnings performance both statewide and nationally.
Where Rochester Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rochester Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earn $73k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all computer engineering technologies/technicians bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $73,355 | — | $30,750 | 0.42 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $94,722 | $119,498 | $23,582 | 0.25 |
| Farmingdale State College | $58,419 | — | — | — |
| DeVry College of New York | $48,829 | $72,749 | $55,425 | 1.14 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $39,744 | $61,345 | $12,500 | 0.31 |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $34,637 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $48,829 | — | $31,000 | 0.63 |
Other Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy | $61,884 | $94,722 | $23,582 |
| Farmingdale State College Farmingdale | $8,576 | $58,419 | — |
| DeVry College of New York New York | $17,488 | $48,829 | $55,425 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn | $7,332 | $39,744 | $12,500 |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica | $8,578 | $34,637 | — |
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 Rochester Institute of Technology, 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.