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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,711 | $80,438 | — | $21,582 | 0.27 | |
| $13,099 | $86,366 | $104,901 | $22,816 | 0.26 | |
| $11,852 | $85,619 | $96,395 | $27,000 | 0.32 | |
| $11,728 | $81,226 | $101,060 | $20,833 | 0.26 | |
| $11,164 | $78,714 | $96,651 | $23,235 | 0.30 | |
| $14,564 | $77,609 | $98,131 | $21,000 | 0.27 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952 | — | $24,500 | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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.