Computer Engineering at Villanova University

Villanova's computer engineering graduates command nearly $95,000 in their first year—impressive nationally, though tempered by Pennsylvania's unusually strong field. While this places Villanova in the 95th percentile nationwide, it lands at just the 60th percentile within PA, where programs like Bucknell and Drexel post similar or slightly better outcomes. The $26,000 median debt sits right at Pennsylvania's program average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that most families would find manageable.

The real question is whether Villanova's premium positioning (25% admission rate, 1466 average SAT) translates to career advantages beyond the initial salary. Earnings growth to $112,000 by year four is solid but not exceptional—19% growth that roughly tracks what you'd expect from most tech careers. Given that in-state alternatives like Penn State or Pitt might offer similar outcomes at lower cost, out-of-state families should weigh the total price tag carefully.

For Pennsylvania residents who value Villanova's campus culture and can manage the debt load comfortably, this delivers what you'd expect: strong starting salaries and reasonable debt. But this isn't the runaway financial winner that the national percentile might suggest—it's simply performing well in a state where computer engineering programs generally succeed.