Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 suggests manageable financial positioning for this bachelor's degree. Based on comparable computer engineering programs nationally, first-year earnings around $79,000 against estimated debt of $26,000 means graduates would need roughly four months of gross income to cover their educational borrowing—a workable proposition in a field known for strong entry-level compensation. The estimated figures here align closely with national benchmarks, which is reassuring given Rhode Island's small number of programs in this field.
What's worth noting is how Roger Williams compares within the state's limited landscape. URI graduates report earning $80,000 in their first year—nearly identical to what peer programs nationally suggest for Roger Williams students. Johnson & Wales sits considerably lower at $62,000. This positioning matters because computer engineering salaries can vary significantly based on where graduates land jobs and which sectors hire them. Rhode Island's tech market is smaller than neighboring Massachusetts, so outcomes may depend on whether graduates stay local or pursue opportunities in Boston's more robust tech ecosystem.
For parents evaluating this program, the estimated numbers point to reasonable value, particularly given the school's accessibility (88% admission rate). The debt load won't be crushing, and the field offers genuine earning potential. However, recognize you're working with projections rather than this program's actual graduate outcomes. If your student is choosing between Roger Williams and URI, the latter has demonstrated track record in this space. If Roger Williams is the more realistic admit or better overall fit, the estimated financial picture shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
Where Roger Williams University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,666 | $78,953* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $16,408 | $80,029* | $93,398 | $26,613* | 0.33 | |
| $40,408 | $62,056* | — | $27,000* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Roger Williams University, approximately 16% 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 national median of 174 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.