Computer Engineering at Washington State University

Washington State University's Computer Engineering program sits in an unusual position: it beats most programs nationally but lags significantly behind other Washington options. Graduates earn $87,135 their first year out—comfortably above the national median of $79,000 and ranking in the 83rd percentile nationwide. However, among Washington's eight computer engineering programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, with graduates from UW campuses earning $141,588 and the state median at $122,000. Given Washington's robust tech sector, in-state students are essentially competing for jobs against graduates earning 40-60% more from nearby programs.

The debt load of $21,750 is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle. But the concerning trend here is the earnings trajectory: median pay actually drops to $83,510 by year four, a 4% decline that suggests graduates may be hitting a career ceiling earlier than expected or struggling to advance at the same pace as peers from stronger programs. This pattern matters in a field where rapid salary growth is typically the norm.

For families paying in-state tuition, WSU represents a solid backup if UW isn't an option, delivering respectable outcomes at national scale. But students serious about maximizing their computer engineering career in Washington should understand they'll likely be at a competitive disadvantage against graduates from the state's top-tier programs, particularly for positions at major tech companies where starting salary differences compound over time.