Analysis
For computer engineering majors at Pitt-Johnstown, the numbers tell a straightforward story: you'll graduate with below-average debt and achieve roughly median outcomes. Starting at $78,075, graduates earn slightly below the national median ($78,952) and lag Pennsylvania's state median ($82,209) by about $4,000. Among Pennsylvania's 13 computer engineering programs, this lands in the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a state with strong engineering schools. The $26,837 median debt sits at the national median but represents better-than-average borrowing (20th percentile nationally), meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more debt.
The 14% earnings growth to $88,810 by year four shows solid progression, though graduates start behind peers at Drexel ($89,418) or Villanova ($94,228). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is manageable—graduates earn roughly three times what they owe. For families seeking an accessible computer engineering degree (96% admission rate) without excessive debt, this delivers what it promises: a legitimate path into the field at a reasonable cost.
The value calculation here depends on alternatives. If your child can access more selective Pennsylvania programs, they might see higher starting salaries. But if affordability matters and your child wants solid engineering fundamentals without the debt burden typical of private institutions, Pitt-Johnstown offers a workable middle ground. You're not paying premium prices, and you're not getting premium outcomes—but the fundamentals work.
Where University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $78,075 | $88,810 | +14% |
| Villanova University | $94,228 | $111,769 | +19% |
| Lehigh University | $82,209 | $102,472 | +25% |
| Drexel University | $89,418 | $99,180 | +11% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $78,075 | $88,810 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,646 | $78,075 | $88,810 | $26,837 | 0.34 | |
| $64,701 | $94,228 | $111,769 | $26,000 | 0.28 | |
| $64,772 | $90,171 | — | — | — | |
| $60,663 | $89,418 | $99,180 | $28,166 | 0.31 | |
| $62,180 | $82,209 | $102,472 | $24,625 | 0.30 | |
| $13,544 | $80,574 | $67,065 | $27,000 | 0.34 | |
| 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 Pittsburgh-Johnstown, approximately 29% 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 100 graduates with reported earnings and 106 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.