Analysis
Utah's computer engineering programs cluster tightly in the high $80,000s for first-year earnings, and the estimate here—drawn from that state median—suggests Utah Tech graduates likely enter a competitive market alongside peers from BYU and the University of Utah. This puts the program well above the national median of $78,952, reflecting Utah's growing tech sector and strong regional demand for engineering talent.
The estimated debt load of $23,125 sits below the national median for computer engineering programs and translates to a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio. If these estimates hold, graduates would face monthly loan payments representing roughly 10-12% of take-home pay—a comfortable threshold for a technical field with clear career paths. The uncertainty here matters less than it might elsewhere: computer engineering is a consistently high-earning major, and Utah's tech economy has proven resilient.
The practical question is whether Utah Tech can deliver comparable outcomes to the state's established engineering programs. BYU and the University of Utah have decades of employer relationships and alumni networks, while Utah Tech (formerly Dixie State) is still building recognition in technical fields. If the school matches peer performance, the investment pencils out cleanly. If not, the absence of school-specific data means you're buying on faith rather than evidence.
Where Utah Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,074 | $88,785* | — | $23,125* | — | |
| $9,315 | $89,605* | — | $19,375* | 0.22 | |
| $6,496 | $88,785* | $127,592 | $10,750* | 0.12 | |
| $6,270 | $85,564* | $91,846 | $14,563* | 0.17 | |
| 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 Utah Tech University, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in UT. Actual outcomes may vary.