Computer Engineering at Southern Methodist University

Similar Computer Engineering programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $79,000—solidly in line with the national median—but the estimated $26,000 debt load deserves scrutiny. That's higher than what peer programs typically produce (the Texas median sits closer to $22,000), and when you're looking at a private university like SMU with a 12% Pell grant rate, the question becomes whether this premium delivers comparable outcomes to more affordable state options.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 looks manageable on paper, especially in a field where graduates can realistically tackle loans. But compare SMU's position to what we're seeing from Texas A&M ($86,000) or Texas Tech ($86,000)—both reporting significantly higher earnings with lower typical debt burdens. You're potentially paying more to enter the same salary range as University of North Texas graduates, whose programs show identical median outcomes.

For families who can afford SMU's sticker price without significant borrowing, the smaller class sizes and Dallas connections may justify the choice. But if your student would graduate with debt above this estimated median—or if comparable programs at UT Arlington or University of Houston would cost substantially less—those alternatives warrant serious consideration. The engineering degree will likely pay for itself regardless, but there's no compelling evidence here that the private school premium translates to better career outcomes in this field.