Computer Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's computer engineering program sits in an interesting middle ground—its $71,841 first-year earnings trail the national median by about $7,000, yet the program performs right at the Illinois state median and actually ranks in the 60th percentile among state options. With modest debt of $23,125, graduates face a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross income.

The challenge here is understanding what you're getting versus top-tier alternatives. UIUC graduates earn nearly $32,000 more their first year out, which over a career compounds into substantial differences. However, SIUE's 97% admission rate makes it accessible to students who might not qualify for the state's most competitive programs, and the relatively low debt load provides a safety net if earnings don't immediately ramp up.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so don't treat them as gospel. For families prioritizing affordability and accessibility over maximum earning potential, SIUE delivers solid value—you're getting middle-of-the-pack Illinois outcomes without taking on crushing debt. Just recognize you're trading some first-year earning power for easier admission and financial predictability.