Median Earnings (1yr)
$85,564
79th percentile
40th percentile in Utah
Median Debt
$14,563
41% below national median

Analysis

Utah Valley University delivers exceptional value in computer engineering that most families overlook. With median debt of just $14,563—less than half the national average—and first-year earnings of $85,564, graduates face one of the most favorable financial situations in the field. That 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio means new graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under three months of work, a stark contrast to many engineering programs where debt stretches past a full year's salary.

The earnings story requires some context. While this program sits in the 79th percentile nationally (well above the $78,952 median), it falls to the 40th percentile within Utah's competitive tech landscape. That's largely because Utah's top programs—University of Utah and BYU—set an unusually high bar at around $89,000. Still, UVU graduates are earning within $3,000-$4,000 of those flagship programs while paying dramatically less for their education. The 7% earnings growth to $91,846 by year four shows solid trajectory, though not the explosive gains some tech roles offer.

For families seeking strong computer engineering outcomes without the debt burden, UVU represents a smart choice. You're getting above-average national earnings with minimal financial risk—a combination that's increasingly rare in higher education.

Where Utah Valley University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Utah Valley University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Utah Valley University$85,564$91,846+7%
University of Washington-Bothell Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
Santa Clara University$103,804$159,782+54%
Brigham Young University$88,785$127,592+44%

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Utah Valley UniversityOrem$6,270$85,564$91,846$14,5630.17
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$89,605$19,3750.22
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$88,785$127,592$10,7500.12
National Median$78,952$24,5000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Valley University, approximately 23% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.