Location: Newark, DE•In-State Tuition: $16,080•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,720•Admission Rate: 65%•Avg SAT: 1297
Median Earnings (1yr)
$73,750
32nd percentile
Median Debt
$26,679
9% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.36 ManageableSample: 50 graduates

Analysis

University of Delaware's computer engineering program sits in an unusual position: it's the only such program in Delaware, making state comparisons meaningless, yet it trails the national median by about $5,200 annually. That 32nd percentile national ranking suggests graduates are earning less than two-thirds of their peers at other schools, though the $73,750 starting salary still represents solid entry into the tech workforce.

The debt picture offers some compensation for the below-average earnings. At $26,679, graduates carry slightly more debt than the national median but maintain a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning they owe about 4.4 months of their first-year salary. For context, many engineering programs leave students with 6-8 months' worth of debt, so this is relatively contained.

The program's positioning likely reflects Delaware's smaller tech ecosystem compared to major hubs. If your child plans to stay in-state after graduation, this might be the logical choice, but families should recognize that moving to higher-paying markets (Boston, Silicon Valley, Austin) could be necessary to match national earning potential. The moderate sample size suggests reasonable program stability, and the 65% admission rate makes this achievable for strong students. Just understand you're paying for a solid engineering education, not a premium-tier outcome.

Where University of Delaware Stands

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

University of DelawareOther computer engineering programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Delaware earns $74k — 32th percentile among computer engineering bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of DelawareNewark$16,080$73,750—$26,6790.36
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle$12,643$141,588$168,957$16,1270.11
University of Washington-Bothell CampusBothell$12,559$141,588$168,957$16,1270.11
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville$20,986$118,232$135,287$16,8750.14
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$111,560$122,307$20,5560.18
Duke UniversityDurham$65,805$111,145$137,144$14,5000.13
National Median—$78,952—$24,5000.31

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 University of Delaware, approximately 16% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.