Analysis
UC Davis computer engineering graduates walk into six-figure salaries with minimal debt—a combination that should capture any parent's attention. While first-year earnings of $96,418 trail Cal Poly SLO and Santa Clara, the debt picture is dramatically better. That $12,804 median debt is less than half California's state average and just a fraction of the $24,500 national median. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in just six weeks of gross income.
The earnings trajectory reinforces the program's strength: four years out, graduates reach $120,745, representing 25% growth and placing them comfortably in tech industry mid-career territory. Ranking in the 80th percentile among California programs is noteworthy given the state's concentration of top engineering schools. You're getting outcomes comparable to more selective UCs like Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz, without the debt burden many private universities carry.
For families weighing UC options or comparing against costlier private schools, Davis offers an unusually clean value proposition. The combination of strong starting salaries, exceptional debt levels, and solid earnings growth makes this one of the state's better financial bets in computer engineering. The moderate sample size suggests program consistency rather than outlier results.
Where University of California-Davis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Davis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Davis | $96,418 | $120,745 | +25% |
| Santa Clara University | $103,804 | $159,782 | +54% |
| University of California-San Diego | $96,256 | $126,160 | +31% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $111,560 | $122,307 | +10% |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | $79,969 | $118,191 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (31 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $96,418 | $120,745 | $12,804 | 0.13 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $111,560 | $122,307 | $20,556 | 0.18 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $103,804 | $159,782 | $24,666 | 0.24 |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $96,256 | $126,160 | $18,497 | 0.19 |
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $91,387 | $114,658 | $14,410 | 0.16 |
 University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $79,969 | $118,191 | $23,392 | 0.29 |
| 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 of California-Davis, approximately 31% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 71 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.