Median Earnings (1yr)
$80,438
57th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$21,582
12% below national median

Analysis

University of Houston's Computer Engineering program delivers solid starting salaries at $80,438—above both the national and Texas medians—while keeping debt manageable at $21,582. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates earn nearly four dollars for every dollar borrowed, which is strong for any engineering program. The school's 70% admission rate and above-average Pell grant population (41%) suggest this program offers genuine upward mobility without requiring elite credentials to get in.

Within Texas, UH lands in the middle of the pack, trailing flagship programs like Texas A&M ($86,366) and Texas Tech ($85,619) by about $5,000-6,000 annually. That gap isn't trivial over a career, but UH's lower admission barriers and comparable debt levels make the tradeoff reasonable. You're paying less on the front end (both in admission requirements and likely tuition) while still accessing Houston's robust tech and energy sectors for internships and early-career opportunities.

The value proposition here is straightforward: this is a reliable path into computer engineering without the pressure of top-tier admissions or crushing debt. If your child can get into more selective programs like UT Austin or A&M, those may offer higher long-term earnings potential. But for students who want strong engineering training in a major tech hub with manageable financial risk, UH delivers exactly what it promises.

Where University of Houston Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$80,438$21,5820.27
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$86,366$104,901$22,8160.26
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$85,619$96,395$27,0000.32
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$81,226$101,060$20,8330.26
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$78,714$96,651$23,2350.30
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$77,609$98,131$21,0000.27
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 Houston, approximately 41% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.