Computer Engineering at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pitt's Computer Engineering program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—for Pennsylvania, that puts it below most of its direct competitors. With first-year earnings of $78,075, graduates earn about $4,000 less than the state median and trail schools like Drexel and Lehigh by $10,000+. Within Pennsylvania's 13 programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning six other schools consistently produce higher-earning graduates. The gap is even clearer at the top: Villanova grads out-earn Pitt grads by more than $16,000 annually.

The program does deliver two genuine strengths: manageable debt ($26,837 is below the national average) and solid earnings growth, with median pay climbing to $88,810 by year four. That 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio is comfortable, and the robust sample size means these figures are reliable. But the earnings trajectory doesn't close the gap with competitors—it just maintains the distance.

For families paying in-state tuition, this represents decent value but not exceptional outcomes. If your child gained admission to Pitt, they likely qualify for stronger programs within Pennsylvania that would deliver $10,000+ more in annual earnings with similar or better debt loads. The decision hinges on whether Pitt's other offerings (campus life, research opportunities, cost advantages) justify accepting mid-tier computer engineering outcomes in a state with genuinely strong competition in this field.