Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs

Computer engineering is the discipline that integrates electrical engineering and computer science to design and develop computer systems, from microprocessors to embedded systems to large-scale computing infrastructure. Unlike pure computer science (which focuses on software and algorithms) or electrical engineering (which covers broader electrical systems), computer engineering specifically targets the hardware-software interface.

Computer engineering programs cover digital logic design, computer architecture, embedded systems programming, signal processing, VLSI design, and system integration. Students learn to design everything from smartphone processors to autonomous vehicle control systems to data center hardware.

CE graduates work at major tech companies (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Apple), aerospace firms, automotive companies, defense contractors, and hardware startups. The field is crucial for emerging technologies like IoT devices, AI accelerators, autonomous systems, and quantum computing hardware.

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 degrees are available at multiple levels, with bachelor's being the standard entry point for most hardware engineering roles.

An associate's degree in computer engineering technology provides foundational knowledge of digital circuits, microprocessors, and embedded systems. Graduates qualify for technician roles in electronics manufacturing or computer hardware support with starting salaries of $45,000-$60,000.

Programs emphasize hands-on laboratory work with testing equipment, circuit design, and troubleshooting.

A bachelor's in computer engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on hardware-software integration. Programs cover digital logic, computer architecture, embedded systems, and VLSI design. BLS reports related engineering roles earn median salaries of $130,000-$150,000.

ABET accreditation is important for computer engineering programs, as it's required for professional engineering licensure and valued by employers in hardware-focused industries.

A master's provides specialization in areas like VLSI design, embedded systems, computer architecture, or robotics. Valuable for roles at semiconductor companies (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) or hardware-focused positions at tech giants.

Programs often involve significant research components. Industry partnerships provide opportunities for sponsored research and internships at leading hardware companies.

A PhD in computer engineering prepares students for research roles in chip design, computer architecture, or emerging technologies like quantum computing. Academic and industry research positions are available at universities and major semiconductor companies.

Only pursue a PhD if interested in advancing hardware capabilities through original research. Industry research positions at companies like Intel, NVIDIA, or Apple's chip design teams often require doctoral degrees.

Our analysis of 150+ accredited computer engineering bachelor's programs identifies the top undergraduate options based on graduation rates, program size, tuition costs, and career outcomes. Top programs include University of Illinois Urbana, University of California, Ohio State University.

A bachelor's degree in computer engineering typically takes 4 years and prepares graduates for entry-level positions. The median tuition across programs is around $15,000/year for in-state students at public universities.

View The Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in The U.S. →

For advanced study, we ranked 200+ graduate programs in computer engineering. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25% and opens doors to senior roles and specializations. Leading programs include .

Master's programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and offer deeper expertise in specialized areas like machine learning, data engineering, or analytics leadership.

View The Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in The U.S. →

Online computer engineering programs offer flexibility for working professionals. We evaluated 134 online programs based on accreditation, outcomes, and employer recognition. Top online programs include Arizona State University, Penn State World Campus, Southern New Hampshire University.

The best online programs maintain the same academic rigor as on-campus counterparts while offering asynchronous coursework, virtual labs, and flexible scheduling.

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Quality computer engineering education doesn't require massive debt. Our affordability rankings highlight 100+ programs with the best tuition rates. The most affordable options include University of Illinois Urbana, University of California, Ohio State University, with tuition starting at $14,768/year.

Public universities with in-state tuition benefits offer the best value, particularly SUNY, California State, and Texas state systems.

View The Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in The U.S. →

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.

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.

Explore our comprehensive rankings to find the best computer engineering program for your career goals, learning style, and budget

Find the best computer engineering programs in your state

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.

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.

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.

Success in computer engineering requires strong preparation in mathematics and physics, plus some exposure to programming concepts

• Mathematics Preparation — Strong algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus foundation essential
• Physics Foundation — Mechanics and electricity/magnetism background helpful
• Programming Basics — C/C++ or Python experience useful but not required
• Digital Logic Fundamentals — Basic understanding of binary, logic gates, and digital systems
• Electronics Projects — Hands-on experience with microcontrollers and circuits