Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,222
10th percentile
40th percentile in Tennessee
Median Debt
$25,000
2% above national median

Analysis

University of Memphis's Computer Engineering program produces graduates earning $65,222 in their first year—nearly $14,000 below the national median but closer to Tennessee's average of $69,291. Among the state's eight computer engineering programs, this places in the 40th percentile, trailing UT-Knoxville by about $9,000 annually. The $25,000 in median debt is reasonable and closely aligned with both state and national norms, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that graduates can realistically handle.

The earnings trajectory shows meaningful improvement, with median pay jumping to $83,391 by year four—a 28% increase that pushes graduates above the national median. This suggests the program's initial disadvantage may lie more in regional job market factors or students' initial job placement rather than the quality of education itself. For Tennessee families seeking an affordable path into computer engineering at a very accessible institution (93% admission rate), the combination of modest debt and strong earnings growth could work well, particularly for students planning to stay in the region initially before potentially relocating.

The critical caveat: this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than you'd like. Small cohorts can swing wildly based on just a few outliers. If your child is considering this program, the fundamentals—manageable debt, solid earning potential, strong growth—are encouraging, but verify current program strength through campus visits and conversations with faculty and recent grads.

Where University of Memphis Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Memphis graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Memphis$65,222$83,391+28%
University of Washington-Bothell Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
Santa Clara University$103,804$159,782+54%
Tennessee Technological University$69,291$93,053+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of MemphisMemphis$10,344$65,222$83,391$25,0000.38
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$74,085—$26,0000.35
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville$10,084$69,291$93,053——
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 Memphis, approximately 40% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.