Computer Engineering at University of Minnesota-Crookston

Computer engineering graduates from peer programs nationally typically earn around $79,000 in their first year—solid compensation that makes the estimated $23,125 in debt at UMN-Crookston look manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. This suggests roughly three months of gross income to cover total debt, well within the threshold most financial advisors consider sustainable. For context, similar programs in Minnesota show slightly higher earnings (around $82,000 median), with the Twin Cities campus reporting $86,000, though Crookston's lower debt load helps offset any earnings gap.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Because actual outcomes for this specific program aren't available due to small graduate cohorts, you're relying on national and state-level benchmarks to gauge value. Computer engineering is generally a strong field with consistent demand, and the estimated figures align with that pattern. However, Crookston's rural location and smaller campus size may affect both internship access and employer recruitment compared to metro programs, factors that estimated data can't capture.

Given the reasonable debt level and engineering's track record, this program appears positioned to deliver value—but confirming actual placement rates and employer connections at Crookston specifically would help validate whether graduates achieve outcomes comparable to state peers.