Computer Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder's Computer Engineering program places graduates well above the national average, with first-year earnings of $86,211 beating the national median by nearly $7,300. However, within Colorado, the picture is more nuanced—this program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, essentially matching what graduates earn at University of Colorado Colorado Springs while commanding a stronger national reputation. The $23,000 median debt load is reasonable for an engineering degree, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27, which means graduates typically earn enough to manage repayment comfortably.

The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests steady career progression, with graduates reaching $96,333 by their fourth year out. This trajectory is solid for engineering, where early-career momentum matters. The moderate sample size adds confidence that these figures reflect genuine outcomes rather than statistical noise.

For parents, the key consideration is whether the Boulder premium justifies comparable in-state earnings to less selective Colorado programs. If your child values CU Boulder's research opportunities and campus environment, the financial risk is minimal—the debt burden is manageable and earnings are strong from day one. But purely from a return-on-investment standpoint, the numbers don't show a dramatic Colorado advantage that would justify significantly higher costs over other state options.