Computer Engineering at University of the Pacific

The $120,601 earnings figure four years out tells a different story than the estimated $75,692 first-year number based on comparable California programs. That mid-career jump—nearly 60% growth—suggests University of the Pacific's computer engineering graduates gain traction quickly in the field, even if their starting salaries appear modest compared to UC and Cal Poly peers who launch at $90,000+.

With estimated debt around $24,666, the financial picture looks manageable. That's close to the national median for computer engineering programs and translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—well within comfortable territory for a technical degree. Similar programs in California typically carry debt loads of $19,086, so students here might borrow slightly more, but the fourth-year earnings make that difference negligible in practice.

The real question is whether the 95% admission rate signals opportunity or risk. Pacific charges more than a state school but doesn't deliver the immediate salary boost of more selective California programs. However, that $120,601 mid-career number closes the gap considerably. For students who want a computer engineering degree without the pressure-cooker admissions of top UCs, this appears viable—just expect to prove yourself in that first job rather than riding a prestigious name out of the gate.