- 1.Computer Engineering professionals earn a median salary of $137,890/year, with 7% job growth projected through 2032—steady growth.
- 2.Our top-ranked computer engineering programs are University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University-Main Campus, and New York University—selected based on graduation rates, program size, and career outcomes.
- 3.Best value: University of Central Florida offers computer engineering degrees at just $4,478/year with a 93% graduation rate.
- 4.284 accredited computer engineering programs available nationwide, with options at every degree level from associate's to doctoral.
- 5.Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree; master's degrees unlock senior roles with 20-40% higher salaries and leadership opportunities.
Source: Computer engineering offers excellent career prospects with $128,170 median salary and growing demand in IoT, AI hardware, and autonomous systems. Best for students interested in both hardware and software with strong math/physics skills. Pure software careers may prefer computer science programs.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10
These are the best computer engineering programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Illinois ECE operates one of the country's largest and most sophisticated university facilities for nanotechnology research through the Holonyak Lab, while offering a unique fully-online professional Master of Engineering that maintains the same academic rigor as the on-campus program.
Program Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Computer Engineering program operates within the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, offering three distinct graduate pathways: a research-focused MS degree (32 credit hours with thesis), a professional Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) available both on-campus and fully online (32 credit hours, coursework-only), and a comprehensive PhD program. The M.Eng. is particularly innovative as a self-supported professional degree designed for working engineers, with the online version allowing completion at your own pace over five years. Students can specialize across seven focus areas including Machine Learning & AI, Robotics & Cyber-Physical Systems, and Computer Architecture. The program leverages Illinois's world-class research infrastructure including the Coordinated Science Laboratory, Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Laboratory, and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, where faculty hold cross-appointments enabling interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Premier multidisciplinary research laboratory focusing on information technology at the crossroads of circuits, computing, control, and communications
One of the country's largest and most sophisticated university facilities for photonics, microelectronics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology research
Advanced science and technology research with cross-departmental faculty appointments
Location Advantages
- •Access to Materials Research Laboratory
- •Proximity to major tech companies through alumni network
- •Integration with Grainger College of Engineering's research ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Intel Corporation, Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Purdue University-Main Campus
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Purdue ECE launched the nation's first comprehensive semiconductor degrees program to address the critical need for 50,000 trained semiconductor engineers within five years, positioning graduates at the forefront of America's semiconductor industry resurgence in the emerging Silicon Heartland.
Program Overview
Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a comprehensive Computer Engineering program through both undergraduate and graduate pathways. The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is ranked #10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, with graduates earning an average starting salary of $91,948 within six months. Students can pursue their studies at both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, with first-year engineering students in West Lafayette building foundational skills before transitioning to their specialty major in the second year.
At the graduate level, Purdue offers multiple Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) tracks, including a fully online program ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. The program serves working professionals through flexible, asynchronous coursework while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum and world-class faculty as on-campus programs. Students can specialize in areas including Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Communications and Signal Processing, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, and emerging fields like quantum computing and IoT. The school houses over 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students with 135 faculty members, supported by extensive research facilities including the Birck Nanotechnology Center.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced nanotechnology research and fabrication
Advanced engineering research
Aerospace and propulsion research
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Heartland semiconductor industry development
- •West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses for flexibility
- •Strong Midwest manufacturing and technology corridor
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Apple, Intel Corporation, General Motors, Texas Instruments
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
New York University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
NYU Tandon's Computer Engineering program uniquely combines cutting-edge research in quantum computing, cybersecurity, and robotics with direct industry collaboration, housed within one of the nation's most comprehensive engineering schools in the heart of New York's innovation corridor.
Program Overview
NYU Tandon's Master of Science in Computer Engineering positions students at the cutting edge of telecommunications, networks, and microelectronics industries through a program that bridges hardware and software innovation. Under the direction of Professor Ramesh Karri, who also serves as department chair, the program emphasizes practical experience alongside theoretical foundations in areas ranging from VLSI verification and embedded systems design to computer architecture. The program offers remarkable flexibility with specialized tracks in Artificial Intelligence, Software, and Robotics, allowing students to customize their studies around emerging technologies like deep learning, autonomous systems, and network design. Students gain hands-on experience through collaborative relationships with industry and government agencies, while the program's location in Brooklyn provides access to NYC's thriving tech ecosystem.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Hardware security, cryptography, and information security research center
Fundamental research in AI and robotics with multi-agent systems and deep learning applications
Quantum technologies and advanced materials research
Location Advantages
- •Brooklyn tech corridor access
- •NYC startup ecosystem proximity
- •Direct connections to Wall Street financial technology sector
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UW's Computer Engineering program uniquely combines the resources of two top-20 ranked departments, offering students access to cutting-edge research facilities like the Washington Nanofabrication Facility while being embedded in Seattle's tech capital with direct pipelines to Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.
University of California-San Diego
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UCSD CSE stands out as one of the few programs offering both Computer Science and Computer Engineering master's degrees with three distinct plan options, including a unique Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan that formally integrates coursework from other departments, housed within a school that has launched 14 cutting-edge research centers since 2014.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Ohio State CSE operates one of the largest university cybersecurity research institutes in the nation through ICDT, while maintaining over 50 years of continuous innovation in computer engineering education with direct industry partnerships through the Ohio Manufacturing Institute and Honda-Ohio State Partnership.
University of California-Irvine
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UC Irvine's Computer Engineering program is highly customizable to student interests and benefits from proximity to major tech companies, with graduates achieving an average starting salary of $73,850 according to alumni tracking data.
University of Southern California
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
USC's Computer Engineering program uniquely combines cutting-edge VLSI design with advanced computer architecture research, while offering identical on-campus and online degree experiences through the pioneering DEN@Viterbi distance education network.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Michigan's Computer Engineering program uniquely combines access to six specialized research laboratories with deep integration into the university's broader computational institutes, creating an ecosystem where students work alongside researchers tackling everything from chip-level design to warehouse-scale computing systems.
University of California-Merced
Doctoral: High Research (R2)
UC Merced's EECS graduate program broke into the top 100 national rankings for computer engineering in 2025 - a remarkable achievement for a campus barely 20 years old, demonstrating the program's rapid ascension in research excellence and industry recognition.
Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →
Who Should Study Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering is ideal for students fascinated by how hardware and software work together, who enjoy both programming and understanding physical systems. Strong math and physics skills are essential - you'll need calculus, differential equations, and physics through electromagnetics.
- Hardware-curious programmers who want to understand how processors execute code
- Math and physics strong students comfortable with calculus, linear algebra, and electromagnetic theory
- System thinkers interested in designing complete computing systems from chips to software
- Hands-on builders who enjoy laboratory work and building physical prototypes
- Emerging tech enthusiasts excited about IoT, robotics, AI hardware, or autonomous systems
If you prefer pure software development without hardware concerns, computer science or software engineering may be better fits. For deeper hardware focus without programming, electrical engineering is the traditional choice.
Computer Engineering Degree Levels Compared
Computer engineering degrees are available at multiple levels, with bachelor's being the standard entry point for most hardware engineering roles.
Computer Engineering Programs by Degree Level
Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide
Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement
Flexible online programs for working professionals
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Bachelor's
A bachelor's degree in computer engineering is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
396 graduates, 90% grad rate, Score: 91.1
Purdue University-Main Campus
319 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 84.2
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
40 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 79.9
4. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 79.2, Tuition: $11,834
5. Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) - Score: 78.1, Tuition: $11,826
6. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) - Score: 77.9, Tuition: $11,834
7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 76.3, Tuition: $17,977
8. University of California-Merced (Merced, CA) - Score: 75.0, Tuition: $11,834
9. University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) - Score: 74.3, Tuition: $4,478
10. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 74.3, Tuition: $66,640
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Master's
A master's degree in computer engineering prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 3 Master's
New York University
581 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 80.6
University of Southern California
79 graduates, 92% grad rate, Score: 77.4
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
132 graduates, 92% grad rate, Score: 77.2
4. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 74.3, Tuition: $11,834
5. Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA) - Score: 72.8, Tuition: $58,587
6. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 71.7, Tuition: $61,310
7. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) - Score: 70.2, Tuition: $11,834
8. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 68.9, Tuition: $6,535
9. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) - Score: 68.7, Tuition: $64,526
10. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 68.0, Tuition: $9,003
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Online
Online computer engineering programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 3 Online
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
396 graduates, 90% grad rate, Score: 96.1
Purdue University-Main Campus
319 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 84.2
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
40 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 79.9
4. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 79.2, Tuition: $11,834
5. Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) - Score: 78.1, Tuition: $11,826
6. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) - Score: 77.9, Tuition: $11,834
7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 76.3, Tuition: $17,977
8. University of California-Merced (Merced, CA) - Score: 75.0, Tuition: $11,834
9. University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) - Score: 74.3, Tuition: $4,478
10. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 74.3, Tuition: $66,640
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Associate's
An associate's degree in computer engineering provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 3 Associate's
Weber State University
139 graduates, 92% grad rate, Score: 64.5
Santa Monica College
46 graduates, 95% grad rate, Score: 55.7
Southern New Hampshire University
122 graduates, 67% grad rate, Score: 54.4
4. Green River College (Auburn, WA) - Score: 54.2, Tuition: $4,074
5. Utah Valley University (Orem, UT) - Score: 53.0, Tuition: $5,614
6. CUNY New York City College of Technology (Brooklyn, NY) - Score: 52.5, Tuition: $6,930
7. MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA) - Score: 52.4, Tuition: $1,104
8. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 51.3, Tuition: $5,514
9. Edmonds College (Lynnwood, WA) - Score: 51.1, Tuition: $4,073
10. De Anza College (Cupertino, CA) - Score: 51.0, Tuition: $1,395
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Graduate
Graduate programs in computer engineering (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 3 Graduate
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
37 graduates, 92% grad rate, Score: 79.5
University of Southern California
3 graduates, 92% grad rate, Score: 71.8
University of California-Irvine
10 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 69.6
4. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 68.8, Tuition: $11,834
5. Auburn University (Auburn, AL) - Score: 68.2, Tuition: $10,704
6. University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN) - Score: 67.9, Tuition: $62,186
7. University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) - Score: 66.3, Tuition: $4,559
8. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 66.2, Tuition: $62,000
9. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) - Score: 66.0, Tuition: $12,698
10. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 66.0, Tuition: $9,003
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs
Looking for quality computer engineering education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value—balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.
Top 5 Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 148.6 | 93% |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 135.6 | 95% |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 132.8 | 85% |
| 4 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $5,742 | 119.8 | 83% |
| 5 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 119.8 | 76% |
Computer Engineering Career Outcomes
Computer engineering graduates have access to high-paying, specialized careers in hardware design and systems integration. The BLS projects 5% job growth for computer hardware engineers through 2032, with particularly strong demand in IoT, AI hardware, and autonomous systems.
Career Paths
Computer Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and develop computer systems, processors, circuit boards, and hardware components for various applications.
Embedded Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop software for embedded systems in devices like smartphones, automotive systems, and IoT devices.
FPGA Design Engineer
SOC 17-2072Design and program field-programmable gate arrays for custom hardware applications and prototyping.
Systems Integration Engineer
SOC 15-1199Integrate hardware and software components into complete computing systems and troubleshoot compatibility.
Robotics Engineer
SOC 17-2199Design and develop robotic systems combining mechanical, electrical, and software engineering principles.
Computer Engineering Curriculum Overview
Computer engineering programs combine electrical engineering fundamentals with computer science concepts, emphasizing the integration of hardware and software systems.
- Mathematics Foundation: Calculus (3 courses), differential equations, linear algebra, discrete math, probability
- Physics & Chemistry: Physics through electromagnetics, basic chemistry for materials science
- Programming: C/C++, Python, assembly language, hardware description languages (Verilog/VHDL)
- Digital Systems: Digital logic, computer organization, microprocessor design, FPGA programming
- Electronics: Circuit analysis, analog/digital electronics, signal processing, communication systems
- Specialization Tracks: Embedded systems, VLSI design, robotics, cybersecurity, AI hardware
Most programs include hands-on laboratory experiences, senior capstone projects, and internship opportunities. Many schools offer concentrations in growing areas like autonomous systems, IoT design, or cybersecurity hardware.
Programs by State
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Computer Engineering vs Related Fields
Computer engineering bridges electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on hardware-software integration. CE graduates understand processors, circuits, embedded systems, and how software interacts with physical hardware—knowledge that's essential for IoT, robotics, and chip design.
The engineering discipline means CE programs are typically ABET-accredited and more structured than CS programs. You'll take more physics and electrical engineering courses, and may have the option to pursue professional engineering licensure.
CE careers span hardware companies (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD), embedded systems (automotive, aerospace, medical devices), and hardware-adjacent software roles. If you're fascinated by how computers physically work—not just the software layer—CE provides depth that CS programs don't.
Which Should You Choose?
- You're fascinated by how hardware and software work together
- You want to design processors, embedded systems, or IoT devices
- You're strong in math/physics and enjoy hands-on lab work
- You're interested in emerging fields like AI hardware or autonomous systems
- You prefer software development over hardware design
- You want maximum flexibility across tech careers
- You're more interested in algorithms and data structures than circuits
- You prefer theoretical computer science or software architecture
- You want broader electrical systems beyond just computing
- You're interested in power systems, communications, or control systems
- You prefer analog circuits and signal processing over digital systems
- You want traditional EE career paths in utilities or aerospace
- You want to focus purely on software development and methodology
- You're not interested in hardware design or circuit analysis
- You prefer practical engineering over theoretical foundations
- Your goal is web/mobile/enterprise software development
Is a Computer Engineering Degree Worth It?
For students interested in hardware-software integration, yes. Computer engineering offers excellent career prospects with $128,170 median salary and growing demand in IoT, AI hardware, autonomous systems, and edge computing. The field requires significant mathematical preparation but provides access to specialized, high-value engineering roles.
When it's worth it: You're genuinely interested in both hardware and software, have strong math/physics skills, and are excited about emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, AI accelerators, or robotics. The degree provides deep technical knowledge that's difficult to acquire outside formal education.
When to consider alternatives: You're primarily interested in software development (consider computer science or software engineering), uncomfortable with extensive math requirements, or prefer purely hardware focus (traditional electrical engineering may fit better).
The job market is smaller but more specialized than computer science, with fewer but higher-paying opportunities. Most positions require formal engineering credentials, making bootcamps or self-study insufficient for hardware engineering roles.
Alternative Paths to Hardware-Software Careers
Computer engineering typically requires formal education due to the specialized hardware knowledge and math requirements. However, some alternative paths exist
- Electrical Engineering Degrees — Broader hardware focus with computer engineering concentrations available
- Computer Science Degrees — Software focus with systems programming and architecture courses
- Embedded Systems Bootcamps — Intensive programs for embedded software development
- FPGA Programming Certifications — Specialized credentials for reconfigurable hardware design
- Electronics Technician Programs — Two-year programs for hands-on hardware roles
For software-focused embedded roles, some developers transition from software engineering backgrounds with additional hardware training. However, true hardware design roles typically require the full CE curriculum.
Computer Engineering Degree FAQ
Based on 485 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES 2024, NSA CAE Database
Number of computer engineering graduates from IPEDS 2023, indicating program resources and faculty depth
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, measuring student success
State-level salary data from BLS OES 2024 for relevant occupations
Carnegie Classification with bonus for R1 research universities
NSA/DHS CAE-CD designation for cybersecurity programs, ABET accreditation for engineering
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Completeness of reported metrics to IPEDS
Related Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.