Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Computer engineering programs in Pennsylvania show a promising return on investment, and York College appears positioned near the state's middle tier based on comparable programs. Similar computer engineering degrees in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $82,000—roughly matching the state median and sitting comfortably above the national benchmark of $79,000. With estimated debt of $26,000, graduates would face a debt burden equal to just a third of their first-year salary, a manageable ratio for a technical field where salaries typically grow substantially.
The caveat here is real: York's specific outcomes aren't publicly available due to small graduate cohorts, so these projections draw from peer programs across Pennsylvania. What we can say is that York's 94% admission rate and average SAT of 1135 suggest it serves a broader student population than Pennsylvania's elite engineering schools like Villanova or Lehigh, where reported earnings top $90,000. Yet the estimated figures still place York graduates in competitive territory—potentially earning nearly as much as those from more selective programs while likely carrying similar or lower debt loads.
For families evaluating York's computer engineering program, the fundamentals look solid: strong estimated starting salaries in a field with clear career pathways and debt that shouldn't constrain post-graduation choices. The uncertainty lies in whether York's actual outcomes match the state average or fall somewhat below given its open-admission profile. If your student thrives with accessible education and can handle rigorous technical coursework, the estimated financial picture suggests worthwhile value.
Where York College of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,606 | $82,209* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $64,701 | $94,228* | $111,769 | $26,000* | 0.28 | |
| $64,772 | $90,171* | — | —* | — | |
| $60,663 | $89,418* | $99,180 | $28,166* | 0.31 | |
| $62,180 | $82,209* | $102,472 | $24,625* | 0.30 | |
| $13,544 | $80,574* | $67,065 | $27,000* | 0.34 | |
| 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 York College of Pennsylvania, 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 7 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.