Location: Schenectady, NY•In-State Tuition: $66,456•Admission Rate: 44%•Avg SAT: 1410
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$80,942
Est. from NY median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from NY median (4 programs)

Analysis

Computer engineering programs in New York vary dramatically in outcomes, with top earners like Columbia graduates starting near $102,000 while others cluster in the low-to-mid $80,000s. Union College's program appears positioned in that competitive middle tier—comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $81,000, which tracks closely with both the state and national median for this field.

The estimated $27,000 in debt represents a manageable investment for these earnings levels, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. That's lower than the state median debt of $25,000 might suggest at first glance, and it positions graduates to handle loan payments while building savings early in their careers. Computer engineering generally offers strong financial returns, and Union's selective admissions (44% acceptance rate, 1410 average SAT) suggest the academic preparation needed to succeed in this demanding major.

What's harder to gauge without program-specific data is whether Union's smaller scale offers advantages—more personalized instruction, better research opportunities—or whether its distance from New York City's tech hub creates networking disadvantages compared to programs like NYU or Columbia. The estimated figures suggest competitiveness with peer programs statewide, but families should dig into placement rates and employer relationships to understand what distinguishes Union's outcomes within this crowded field.

Where Union College Stands

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

Union College (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Union CollegeSchenectady$66,456$80,942*—$27,000*—
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$102,083*——*—
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$90,829*$105,334$28,500*0.31
Binghamton UniversityVestal$10,363$86,938*$97,721$23,945*0.28
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$84,793*——*—
New York UniversityNew York$60,438$82,183*$96,016$19,000*0.23
National Median—$78,952*—$24,500*0.31
* 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 Union College, approximately 13% 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 11 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.