Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Downtown's computer engineering technology program produces first-year earnings of $68,144—significantly outperforming both the state median ($52,678) and placing graduates in the 87th percentile nationally. While the debt figure of $25,126 is estimated from peer programs at similar institutions, the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable repayment even if actual debt runs somewhat higher. That's less than five months of gross income, which gives graduates breathing room unusual for technical bachelor's programs.

What makes these earnings particularly noteworthy is the school's accessibility—with a 91% admission rate and over half of students receiving Pell grants, UH-Downtown serves a population that doesn't typically have access to six-figure starting salaries in tech fields. The program substantially outearns comparable offerings at University of Houston ($56,527) and Sam Houston State ($38,957), delivering outcomes that rival selective engineering programs at a fraction of the admissions barrier.

The modest 7% earnings growth to year four ($73,092) isn't alarming for a technology-focused credential where skills often matter more than years of experience. For families seeking a concrete return on a technical degree in Houston's robust tech sector, this program demonstrates strong value—just recognize that the debt estimate may not capture this specific cohort's borrowing patterns, so confirm actual student loan expectations during campus visits.