Analysis
Connecticut's computer engineering programs cluster tightly around $83,000 in first-year earnings, and Sacred Heart's estimated outcomes align with this state benchmark—putting graduates roughly at the national 75th percentile for this major. With estimated debt around $26,000, the financial framework looks manageable: graduates would owe about three months' salary, well below the danger zone for STEM debt.
The caveat is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Sacred Heart's own graduates, reflecting the small cohort sizes common at private universities offering specialized engineering degrees. Similar programs across Connecticut and the nation suggest solid outcomes, but you're essentially betting that Sacred Heart's still-developing program will produce comparable results to more established state university competitors like UConn. The 68% admission rate and low Pell enrollment (15%) indicate a different student profile than the state flagship, which could matter for networking and internship access in Connecticut's engineering market.
For families who can afford Sacred Heart's full cost of attendance without excessive borrowing, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable for an engineering degree. But if your student is choosing between this and UConn—where the same first-year earnings come with potentially lower debt—the value proposition becomes harder to justify based purely on financial outcomes. You're paying for smaller classes and a private school environment in a field where the credential and skills typically matter more than the institution's name.
Where Sacred Heart University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield | $48,460 | $82,924* | — | $26,146* | — |
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $82,924* | $91,841 | $20,108* | 0.24 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $82,924* | $91,841 | $20,108* | 0.24 |
 University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton | $17,462 | $82,924* | $91,841 | $20,108* | 0.24 |
 University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford | $17,472 | $82,924* | $91,841 | $20,108* | 0.24 |
 University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford | $17,452 | $82,924* | $91,841 | $20,108* | 0.24 |
| 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 Sacred Heart University, approximately 15% 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 CT. Actual outcomes may vary.