Computer Engineering at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

The backward slide in earnings should worry you here. Shippensburg's computer engineering graduates start strong at $80,574—slightly above the national median—but by year four, they're earning $67,065, a 17% decline that's unusual in a field where salaries typically climb. Among Pennsylvania's 13 computer engineering programs, this one ranks below the state median of $82,209, landing in the 40th percentile. You're looking at roughly $15,000 less in year-four earnings compared to grads from Drexel or Bucknell.

The positive here is manageable debt: at $27,000, it's barely above the state average and represents just 34 cents on every dollar of first-year earnings, which is reasonable. With an 86% admission rate, Shippensburg offers accessible entry into a technical field. But remember, this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.

If your child can get into one of Pennsylvania's stronger engineering schools, the investment would likely pay better dividends. But if Shippensburg is the realistic option due to admission or cost considerations, that first-year salary shows the degree can launch a career—just understand that growth trajectory looks shakier than at peer institutions.