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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,270 | $85,564 | $91,846 | $14,563 | 0.17 | |
| $9,315 | $89,605 | — | $19,375 | 0.22 | |
| $6,496 | $88,785 | $127,592 | $10,750 | 0.12 | |
| 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 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.