Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's computer engineering program delivers solid outcomes at an unusually affordable price point—graduating students owe about $27,000 while earning nearly $74,000 in their first year. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks in the 10th percentile nationally, meaning 90% of computer engineering programs nationwide saddle graduates with heavier debt burdens. For families watching costs, particularly the 42% of UTSA students receiving Pell grants, this accessibility matters.

The earnings picture requires more nuance. UTSA graduates trail the Texas median by roughly $5,000 and lag behind flagship programs like Texas A&M and Texas Tech by $12,000-$13,000. However, context matters: UTSA's 88% admission rate and accessible entry requirements mean it's serving a different student population than highly selective engineering schools. Students here are clearing nearly $50,000 after covering their full debt load in year one—a financial foundation most liberal arts majors can't match.

For families seeking an engineering degree without gambling on admission to more competitive programs or taking on excessive debt, UTSA represents a practical path. The lower earnings reflect UTSA's position in the Texas engineering hierarchy, but the debt advantage means graduates enter the workforce with meaningful financial flexibility. That tradeoff favors students prioritizing access and affordability over maximizing first-year salary.