Computer Engineering at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Computer Engineering program launches graduates into $89,605 starting salaries—solidly above the national median of $78,952 and beating most other programs nationwide. For a school with an 87% admission rate, those outcomes are exceptional, placing graduates in the 89th percentile nationally. The debt picture sweetens the deal: at $19,375, it's roughly $5,000 below the national median and represents just 22% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross pay.

Within Utah, the picture becomes more nuanced. While UU ranks in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings, that's partly because Utah's computer engineering programs generally perform well—the state median of $88,785 is already above the national benchmark. BYU edges ahead by about $800 in median earnings, but UU remains competitive with its peers while maintaining strong debt management.

For anxious parents, this is a financially sound choice. The combination of strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and relatively accessible admissions makes this program a practical path into well-compensated tech careers. Unlike elite programs that gatekeep through selectivity, Utah delivers comparable outcomes while being far more accessible to students who might not have perfect test scores.