Analysis
Looking at comparable computer engineering programs in New York, Villa Maria's estimated outcomes suggest solid earning potential—around $81,000 in first-year earnings—paired with relatively manageable debt of $27,000. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary, a workable position for starting an engineering career. Similar programs across New York typically produce earnings right at this level, placing Villa Maria in line with state norms rather than trailing behind.
The challenge here is visibility. With 61% of students receiving Pell grants, Villa Maria serves a largely low-income population, yet the small graduate sample means we're working with estimates rather than verified outcomes. Computer engineering programs can vary dramatically—top performers at Columbia and RIT push well into the $90,000-$100,000 range for first-year earnings—so the actual performance at Villa Maria remains uncertain. For a family betting on engineering credentials to deliver financial mobility, that uncertainty matters.
The bottom line: if the estimated outcomes hold true, this program offers reasonable value with debt levels that shouldn't overwhelm an engineering salary. But with no reported data to confirm Villa Maria's actual track record, families should verify that the school's specific program has the infrastructure, faculty credentials, and industry connections that make computer engineering degrees pay off. Generic state averages can't tell you whether this particular program delivers.
Where Villa Maria College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,670 | $80,942* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $69,045 | $102,083* | — | —* | — | |
| $57,016 | $90,829* | $105,334 | $28,500* | 0.31 | |
| $10,363 | $86,938* | $97,721 | $23,945* | 0.28 | |
| $63,061 | $84,793* | — | —* | — | |
| $60,438 | $82,183* | $96,016 | $19,000* | 0.23 | |
| 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 Villa Maria College, approximately 61% 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 11 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.