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Florida Polytechnic University
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Lakeland, FLPublic
$135,980 median salary · 55% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 55% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $3,152 in-state tuition
- 1 graduates annually
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Key Takeaways
- 1.associate's degree in computer engineering costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs, average $2,195/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Northern Virginia Community College, Santa Monica College, Weber State University, selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
- 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
- 4.Entry-level computer engineering technician positions start at $49,000 median salary (BLS, 2024).
- 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working, many programs offer evening and weekend classes.
Quick Answer: Is an Associate's Degree in Computer Engineering Worth It?
Answer
Yes - $45,500 starting salary, 60% lower cost
Source: An associate's degree in computer engineering is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Computer Engineering?
An associate's degree in computer engineering offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers/Computer Hardware Engineers earn a median salary of $130,160 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $75,000.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
- Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
- Strong job outlook: 15% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 1,700,000 positions nationwide in this field
- Transfer-friendly: Credits transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
- Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework
Salary potential: Entry-level computer engineering positions start at $75,000, with experienced professionals earning up to $208,000+ (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs - Top 10
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Front Range Community College
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Westminster, COPublic
$135,980 median salary · 35% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 35% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $4,058 in-state tuition
- 5 graduates annually
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Itawamba Community College
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Fulton, MSPublic
$135,980 median salary · 50% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 50% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $3,100 in-state tuition
- 4 graduates annually
#4
Amarillo College
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Amarillo, TXPublic
$135,980 median salary · 32% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 32% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $2,160 in-state tuition
- 10 graduates annually
#5
Salt Lake Community College
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Salt Lake City, UTPublic
$135,980 median salary · 29% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 29% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $3,928 in-state tuition
- 1 graduates annually
#6
Community College of Rhode Island
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Warwick, RIPublic
$135,980 median salary · 26% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 26% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $5,074 in-state tuition
- 4 graduates annually
#7
College of Southern Maryland
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
La Plata, MDPublic
$135,980 median salary · 33% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 33% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $5,880 in-state tuition
- 1 graduates annually
#8
University of Hartford
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
West Hartford, CTPrivate nonprofit
$135,980 median salary · 54% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 54% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $45,682 in-state tuition
- 2 graduates annually
#9
Community College of Baltimore County
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Baltimore, MDPublic
$135,980 median salary · 19% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 19% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $5,856 in-state tuition
- 3 graduates annually
#10
Henry Ford College
Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Dearborn, MIPublic
$135,980 median salary · 17% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 17% graduation rate
- $135,980 median salary
- $4,848 in-state tuition
- 3 graduates annually
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data
#1. Florida Polytechnic University — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Florida Polytechnic University's associate's computer engineering program #1. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Lakeland, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,152/year | Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.4
#2. Front Range Community College — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Front Range Community College's associate's computer engineering program #2. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Westminster, CO | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,058/year | Graduation Rate: 35% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 87.8
#3. Itawamba Community College — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Itawamba Community College's associate's computer engineering program #3. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Fulton, MS | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,100/year | Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 84.3
#4. Amarillo College — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Amarillo College's associate's computer engineering program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Amarillo, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,160/year | Graduation Rate: 32% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 81.5
#5. Salt Lake Community College — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Salt Lake Community College's associate's computer engineering program #5. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,928/year | Graduation Rate: 29% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 74.3
#6. Community College of Rhode Island — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Community College of Rhode Island's associate's computer engineering program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Warwick, RI | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,074/year | Graduation Rate: 26% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 72.2
#7. College of Southern Maryland — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks College of Southern Maryland's associate's computer engineering program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: La Plata, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,880/year | Graduation Rate: 33% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 68.7
#8. University of Hartford — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks University of Hartford's associate's computer engineering program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: West Hartford, CT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $45,682/year | Graduation Rate: 54% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 66.6
#9. Community College of Baltimore County — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Community College of Baltimore County's associate's computer engineering program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Baltimore, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,856/year | Graduation Rate: 19% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 65.6
#10. Henry Ford College — Associate's Computer Engineering
Hakia ranks Henry Ford College's associate's computer engineering program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Dearborn, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,848/year | Graduation Rate: 17% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 62.0
Full Computer Engineering Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Florida Polytechnic UniversityLakeland, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,152 | 55% | $135,980 | 90.4 |
| #2 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Front Range Community CollegeWestminster, CO · Public | On-campus | $4,058 | 35% | $135,980 | 87.8 |
| #3 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Itawamba Community CollegeFulton, MS · Public | On-campus | $3,100 | 50% | $135,980 | 84.3 |
| #4 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Amarillo CollegeAmarillo, TX · Public | On-campus | $2,160 | 32% | $135,980 | 81.5 |
| #5 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City, UT · Public | On-campus | $3,928 | 29% | $135,980 | 74.3 |
| #6 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Community College of Rhode IslandWarwick, RI · Public | On-campus | $5,074 | 26% | $135,980 | 72.2 |
| #7 | Associate's in Computer Engineering College of Southern MarylandLa Plata, MD · Public | On-campus | $5,880 | 33% | $135,980 | 68.7 |
| #8 | Associate's in Computer Engineering University of HartfordWest Hartford, CT · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $45,682 | 54% | $135,980 | 66.6 |
| #9 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Community College of Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MD · Public | On-campus | $5,856 | 19% | $135,980 | 65.6 |
| #10 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Henry Ford CollegeDearborn, MI · Public | On-campus | $4,848 | 17% | $135,980 | 62.0 |
| #11 | Associate's in Computer Engineering Howard Community CollegeColumbia, MD · Public | On-campus | $7,371 | 24% | $135,980 | 59.8 |
Showing all 11 ranked programs.
Top States for Computer Engineering Associate's Programs
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 26
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $8,900
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $54,300
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $36,200
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Maryland
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $26,100
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $39,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job with just an associate's degree in computer engineering?
Yes. Entry-level computer engineering technician and support roles are available to associate's degree holders. Median starting salary is $45,500 (BLS, 2024). However, advancement to senior roles requires a bachelor's degree or significant experience.
How much does an associate's degree cost?
Community college tuition averages $3,500-5,000 per year for in-district students. Total program cost is $7,000-15,000, compared to $45,500-50,50 for a bachelor's degree.
Can I transfer my associate's credits to a 4-year university?
Yes. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with state universities. 33% of associate's graduates transfer agreements before enrolling.
How long does it take to complete an associate's degree?
Full-time students complete in 2 years (4 semesters). Part-time students may take 3-4 years. Accelerated programs can finish in 18 months with year-round enrollment.
Is an associate's degree better than a bootcamp?
It depends on your goals. Associate's degrees offer broader education, transfer pathways, and wider employer recognition. Bootcamps are faster but limited to specific roles. Associate's is better for long-term career flexibility.
How We Rank Computer Engineering Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Florida Polytechnic University's Associate's in Computer Engineering tops our list of 11 associate computer engineering programs. We fold federal graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition figures into a single 0 to 100 score applied identically to every school. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $135,980.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for computer engineering graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.