Analysis
Is Computer Engineering at Western New England worth the investment when peer schools in Massachusetts dominate the state's tech hiring? Similar programs across Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $87,000—right at the state median and notably above the $79,000 national benchmark. That's solid footing for a technical field, though it trails the state's heavyweights like Northeastern ($99,500) and BU ($94,000) by a meaningful margin. The estimated $26,900 in debt aligns closely with what comparable Massachusetts engineering programs produce, creating a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loans comfortably.
What matters here is context: Western New England's 83% admission rate and middle-tier selectivity signal it's accessible to students who might not crack into the more competitive programs. If your child is choosing between this and UMass-Lowell or Wentworth—schools with similar reported outcomes—the decision hinges on fit and scholarship offers rather than dramatic differences in earning potential. The real question is whether the estimated Massachusetts average holds true for Western New England specifically, or if its regional employers and alumni networks push outcomes higher or lower than the peer group suggests.
For families prioritizing engineering credentials without the pressure of ultra-selective admissions, this looks financially sound based on available comparisons. Just know you're banking on this program performing like its Massachusetts counterparts rather than established data from this campus specifically.
Where Western New England University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,430 | $87,304* | — | $26,866* | — | |
| $63,141 | $99,499* | $121,329 | $25,005* | 0.25 | |
| $65,168 | $93,995* | $110,259 | $26,866* | 0.29 | |
| $17,357 | $89,327* | $109,618 | $27,000* | 0.30 | |
| $16,570 | $85,280* | — | $27,000* | 0.32 | |
| $41,010 | $82,057* | — | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| 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 Western New England University, approximately 25% 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 6 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.