Computer Engineering at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

At nearly $86,000 straight out of college, University of Minnesota's computer engineering program delivers strong starting salaries that beat the national median by $7,000. However, the state percentile ranking tells a more nuanced story: while this program performs well nationally (79th percentile), it lands squarely in the middle of Minnesota's computer engineering landscape (60th percentile). For in-state students paying in-state tuition, this is still a solid choice—you're getting top-tier outcomes at a more accessible price point than private alternatives—but it's worth noting that Minnesota has several strong engineering programs competing in the same space.

The $23,000 median debt is manageable given the earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.27—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income. Earnings growth to $92,617 by year four shows steady career progression, though the 8% increase is modest for tech fields where early career jumps can be more dramatic. The moderate sample size suggests this data reasonably represents typical outcomes.

For Minnesota families, this program offers reliable returns without excessive debt. You're paying public school prices for outcomes that compete nationally, even if they don't dominate the state. The 77% admission rate makes this an attainable option for strong students who want engineering credentials without gambling on reach schools.