Analysis
Computer engineering programs across New York tend to produce strong starting salaries, and the estimated $80,942 for University at Albany sits right at the state median—competitive with NYU and not far behind programs at Syracuse and Binghamton. While these figures are based on peer programs in New York rather than UAlbany's specific outcomes, they suggest a pathway to solid earnings potential in a field where demand remains high.
The estimated $23,468 in debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year salary. That's manageable by most standards and actually below both the state and national debt medians for this major. For comparison, similar programs in New York typically see debt around $25,000. The combination of accessible admissions (70% acceptance rate) and lower-than-average debt makes this a potentially smart value play, especially for families concerned about ROI.
The caveat is that these are estimates drawn from comparable programs, not verified outcomes from UAlbany's computer engineering grads specifically. Still, the pattern is encouraging: engineering programs generally deliver, and the projected numbers here align with what you'd expect from a solid state university program. If your child is interested in hardware, embedded systems, or tech careers that blend electrical engineering with software, this looks like a reasonable bet at a price point that won't require miracle earnings to pay off.
Where University at Albany Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,408 | $80,942* | — | $23,468* | — | |
| $69,045 | $102,083* | — | —* | — | |
| $57,016 | $90,829* | $105,334 | $28,500* | 0.31 | |
| $10,363 | $86,938* | $97,721 | $23,945* | 0.28 | |
| $63,061 | $84,793* | — | —* | — | |
| $60,438 | $82,183* | $96,016 | $19,000* | 0.23 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952* | — | $24,500* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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 University at Albany, approximately 42% 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.