Computer Engineering at University of Northern Colorado

Computer engineering graduates typically command strong salaries, but first-year earnings of $56,557 from this program fall well below what other Colorado schools deliver. University of Colorado Boulder's computer engineering grads earn $86,211 their first year out, while even UC Colorado Springs hits $82,084—both figures representing actual reported outcomes. That's a $25,000 to $30,000 gap compared to programs just hours away.

The debt picture offers some comfort. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates likely carry around $23,125—manageable given the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio and roughly in line with what students at other Colorado engineering programs face. Within five years, as salaries typically rise in tech fields, that debt becomes even less concerning. But the earnings gap doesn't disappear: if graduates here start $30,000 behind peers from CU Boulder, they're fighting an uphill battle to catch up throughout their careers.

For families weighing this program, the central question is whether the lower admission standards and potentially more accessible environment justify accepting substantially lower earnings potential. If your student can gain admission to one of Colorado's more competitive engineering programs—and the data suggests many UNC students could, given the 86% acceptance rate—the financial case for choosing those alternatives becomes compelling. The debt loads are similar across schools, but the earning power decidedly isn't.