Computer Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens graduates start at $89,000—solid money, but not the standout you might expect given the program's cost and selectivity. While this ranks in the 88th percentile nationally, it actually sits at the 60th percentile among New Jersey's six computer engineering programs, meaning three other in-state options produce comparable or better early outcomes. The College of New Jersey, for instance, matches Stevens' median earnings while costing considerably less for most families.

The $26,930 in typical debt is manageable, yielding a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio that puts graduates on solid financial footing. And there's meaningful earnings growth: the jump to $115,744 by year four suggests Stevens' industry connections and location near tech hubs pay dividends as careers progress. That 30% growth rate indicates the program prepares students well for advancement, even if the starting line isn't dramatically ahead of state alternatives.

For families who can afford Stevens without stretching finances, the investment makes sense—you're getting a strong engineering education with clear career momentum. But if choosing between Stevens at private school prices and TCNJ or similar public options, the early earnings gap is too narrow to justify a significant cost difference. The program delivers, just not at a premium that matches its price tag.