What is the starting salary for Computer Engineering graduates in Houston?

The estimated starting salary for Computer Engineering graduates in Houston, TX is $57,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Houston are 15% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Computer Engineering degree worth it in Houston?

A Computer Engineering degree in Houston has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,170,120 after subtracting education costs. With 90 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,200/year, Houston offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Computer Engineering in Houston?

The average annual public university tuition in Houston is $10,200, while private universities average $56,280/year. Including room and board ($13,520/year), total 4-year costs range from $94,880 at a public school to $279,200 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Houston is $13,081/year.

What jobs can Computer Engineering graduates get in Houston?

Computer Engineering graduates in Houston can pursue careers as Hardware Engineer, Firmware Engineer, Systems Architect. Key skills valued by local employers include VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, Computer Architecture, FPGA Programming. The Houston job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Intel, Apple, Nvidia.

How long to pay off student loans for Computer Engineering in Houston?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Computer Engineering graduates in Houston would pay $1,077/month on an estimated $94,880 in loans, with $34,401 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,856/month but save $17,895 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $57,500, monthly payments would represent 22% of gross monthly income.

Computer Engineering Degree in Houston, TX — Salary & ROI 2026

Computer Engineering degree analysis for Houston, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$58K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$144K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.5 yrs

in Houston

Cost of Living

115

index (100 = avg)

Computer Engineering in Houston, TX Overview

Houston is one of Texas's top college towns, with 90 institutions and a student population of 71,513. Public tuition averages $10,200/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Computer Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for VLSI Design and Embedded Systems skills. The adjusted starting salary in Houston is approximately $57,500, growing to $143,750 by mid-career.

Computer Engineering Salary in Houston (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Houston's cost of living index of 115 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,500(+$7,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$143,750(+$18,750 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$178,250(+$23,250 vs national)

Note: National average Computer Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $125,000 mid-career, $155,000 senior level.Houston adjustment factor: 1.15x based on the local cost of living index.

Computer Engineering ROI Calculator for Houston

Estimate your return on investment for a Computer Engineering degree using local Houston tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,200 | Private avg: $56,280

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Houston avg aid: $13,081/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$94,880

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$17,250

vs HS diploma in Houston

ROI Payback Period

5.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Houston

$1,170,120

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,265,000) minus total education cost ($94,880)

Student Loan Payoff for Computer Engineering in Houston

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$94,880

Monthly Payment$1,077

Total Interest$34,401

% of Monthly Income22%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$94,880

Monthly Payment$1,856

Total Interest$16,506

Interest Savings$17,895

Colleges in Houston for Computer Engineering

University of Houston

public

$11,164/yr

$44,656 total

Rice University

private

$56,280/yr

$225,120 total

Texas Southern University

public

$9,236/yr

$36,944 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Houston Community College

$2,688/yr

Top Employers for Computer Engineering in Houston

Houston offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Computer Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

IntelAppleNvidiaQualcommAMD

Key Houston Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Computer Engineering Job Titles

Hardware EngineerFirmware EngineerSystems Architect

Computer Engineering in Nearby Texas Cities

San Antonio, TX

$60K starting · COL 120

58 colleges

Dallas, TX

$52K starting · COL 104

82 colleges

Austin, TX

$54K starting · COL 107

30 colleges

Fort Worth, TX

$51K starting · COL 101

19 colleges

El Paso, TX

$47K starting · COL 93

38 colleges

Arlington, TX

$47K starting · COL 93.5

14 colleges

Corpus Christi, TX

$41K starting · COL 82

22 colleges

Plano, TX

$43K starting · COL 85

9 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Houston

Petroleum Engineering

$58K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$94K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$58K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$92K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$92K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$90K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$58K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$90K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Computer Engineering degree outcomes in Houston, TX: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Computer Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Texas.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Houston using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Computer Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Computer Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Computer Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Houston Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Texas)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Texas programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "texas higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Computer Engineering Degree in Houston — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Computer Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Houston.

Computer Engineering Overview Colleges in Houston All Majors