Computer Engineering at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso's computer engineering program sits in an interesting middle ground—delivering exactly the state median salary of $75,484, which places it 60th percentile among Indiana programs but just 38th percentile nationally. The debt picture, however, is notably favorable: at $27,000, graduates carry only slightly more than the national median while maintaining a healthy 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. This is a program that delivers solid, predictable outcomes without the premium pricing you'd see at Rose-Hulman or Purdue.

For Indiana families, the key consideration is whether this middle-tier result justifies the cost compared to state flagships. Valparaiso graduates earn about $18,000 less than Purdue engineering grads but roughly $3,500 more than Indiana University-Indianapolis, suggesting the program competes more directly with regional options than elite engineering schools. The 92% admission rate and moderate debt load indicate this is an accessible path to a stable engineering career rather than a reach for top-tier tech opportunities.

The practical reality: your child will likely start around $75,000 and have manageable debt, but shouldn't expect the salary trajectory or recruitment pipeline of Indiana's premier engineering programs. If they're set on computer engineering and Valparaiso offers strong financial aid, this works as a reliable investment. If they can access Purdue at similar cost, that $18,000 salary difference compounds quickly over a career.