Computer Engineering at University of California-Merced

UC-Merced's computer engineering graduates start at $58,835—well below what you'd expect from a UC campus—but they're not standing still. Four years out, median earnings jump to $80,693, nearly matching the national benchmark. That 37% growth rate suggests these graduates are landing jobs that recognize their UC degree value once they gain experience, even if initial placement lags behind other California schools.

The reality check: this program ranks in just the 25th percentile among California computer engineering programs. Compare that first-year salary to UC Davis ($96,418) or UC San Diego ($96,256), and you're looking at a $30,000+ gap. For families choosing between UC campuses, that's real money—though the $19,086 debt load is reasonable and matches the state median. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, meaning graduates can handle their loans without financial strain.

The central question is whether UC-Merced's lower first-year outcomes reflect the school's location in California's Central Valley rather than program quality. The strong earnings growth suggests capable graduates who may need to migrate to tech hubs for better opportunities. If your child can access a higher-ranked UC, the immediate salary advantage is substantial. But if this is the UC option available, the reasonable debt and eventual earnings trajectory make it workable—just budget for a tougher first year financially.