Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Savannah State University

Borrowing an estimated $25,126 to enter computer engineering technology looks reasonable on paper—that's below both the national median and well below Georgia's typical $55,425 debt load for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year of first-year salary, which is considerably better than many technical programs produce.

However, the earnings trajectory here deserves scrutiny. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, first-year earnings around $48,829 align with national norms, but four years out, graduates are only reaching $54,466—a modest $5,637 bump over three years. That's roughly 11% growth while many tech fields see considerably steeper advancement. For a program serving 65% Pell-eligible students, that slower earnings growth means families banking on rapid income increases to justify the investment may be disappointed.

The practical calculation comes down to whether this specific program at Savannah State can match or exceed what peer programs deliver. The estimates suggest financial viability, not riches—manageable debt paired with middle-of-the-pack tech salaries. If your child is choosing between this and computer science or electrical engineering programs with stronger earnings trajectories, understand they're likely trading some earning potential for a more applied, hands-on credential. The numbers work, but there's limited upside visible in the data.