Location: Carbondale, IL•In-State Tuition: $13,244•Admission Rate: 90%•Avg SAT: 1060
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$71,841
Est. from IL median (5 programs)
Median Debt
$24,500
At national median

Analysis

Computer engineering programs in Illinois span from UIUC's elite $103,000 outcomes down to programs in the high $60,000s. SIU-Carbondale appears positioned squarely in the middle tier based on comparable programs statewide, with estimated first-year earnings around $72,000—about $7,000 below the national median but matching the Illinois average. The $24,500 debt load is typical for this field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that should allow for reasonable repayment.

The four-year earnings of $74,600 show minimal growth from year one, which is unusual for tech graduates who typically see significant early salary progression. This suggests either data timing issues or that SIU-Carbondale graduates may be entering lower-trajectory positions compared to peers at more selective programs. The school's 90% admission rate and mid-range test scores indicate it serves a broader student population, which may lead to more varied career outcomes than what these median figures suggest.

For families considering this program, the debt burden is reasonable but the earnings ceiling appears lower than at Illinois' flagship programs. If your child is genuinely interested in computer engineering and SIU-Carbondale offers compelling financial aid or in-state tuition advantages, the numbers work—just recognize you're likely looking at solid middle-class outcomes rather than the $100,000+ trajectories available at more competitive Illinois schools.

Where Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale—$74,600—
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$103,123$122,137+18%
Illinois Institute of Technology$81,252$87,437+8%
University of Illinois Chicago$71,148$75,299+6%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale$13,244$71,841*$74,600$24,500—
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$103,123*$122,137$20,5000.20
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago$51,763$81,252*$87,437$26,5000.33
Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville$12,922$71,841*—$23,1250.32
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$71,148*$75,299$22,0000.31
Loyola University ChicagoChicago$51,716$68,020*—$25,0000.37
National Median—$78,952*—$24,5000.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, approximately 37% 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 IL. Actual outcomes may vary.