Students in a hands-on technology lab at a community college
Updated July 28, 2026

Best Computer Engineering Associate's Degree Programs 2026

Compare 50 accredited 2-year computer engineering programs at community colleges and technical schools. Find affordable programs with strong transfer pathways and entry-level career placement.

Programs Ranked50
Avg Tuition$2,195/yr
Completion Time2 years
Transfer Rate33%
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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

🥇

Florida Polytechnic University

Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Lakeland, FLPublic

$135,980 median salary · 55% graduation rate

90.4
Score
$3K
Tuition/yr
55%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (90.4/100): 55% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,152 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 55% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,152 in-state tuition
  • 1 graduates annually
🥈

Front Range Community College

Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Westminster, COPublic

$135,980 median salary · 35% graduation rate

87.8
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
35%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (87.8/100): 35% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,058 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 35% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $4,058 in-state tuition
  • 5 graduates annually
🥉

Itawamba Community College

Associate's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Fulton, MSPublic

$135,980 median salary · 50% graduation rate

84.3
Score
$3K
Tuition/yr
50%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (84.3/100): 50% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,100 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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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

81.5
Score
$2K
Tuition/yr
32%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (81.5/100): 32% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $2,160 in-state tuition, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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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

74.3
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
29%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (74.3/100): 29% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,928 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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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

72.2
Score
$5K
Tuition/yr
26%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (72.2/100): 26% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $5,074 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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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

68.7
Score
$6K
Tuition/yr
33%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (68.7/100): 33% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $5,880 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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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

66.6
Score
$46K
Tuition/yr
54%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (66.6/100): 54% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $45,682 in-state tuition, 2 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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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

65.6
Score
$6K
Tuition/yr
19%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (65.6/100): 19% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $5,856 in-state tuition, 3 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

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

62.0
Score
$5K
Tuition/yr
17%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among computer engineering associate's programs by Hakia Score (62/100): 17% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,848 in-state tuition, 3 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

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. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL · Public
On-campus$3,15255%$135,98090.4
#2
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Front Range Community College
Westminster, CO · Public
On-campus$4,05835%$135,98087.8
#3
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS · Public
On-campus$3,10050%$135,98084.3
#4
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX · Public
On-campus$2,16032%$135,98081.5
#5
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT · Public
On-campus$3,92829%$135,98074.3
#6
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI · Public
On-campus$5,07426%$135,98072.2
#7
Associate's in Computer Engineering
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, MD · Public
On-campus$5,88033%$135,98068.7
#8
Associate's in Computer Engineering
University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$45,68254%$135,98066.6
#9
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD · Public
On-campus$5,85619%$135,98065.6
#10
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI · Public
On-campus$4,84817%$135,98062.0
#11
Associate's in Computer Engineering
Howard Community College
Columbia, MD · Public
On-campus$7,37124%$135,98059.8

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
Top Program
University of California
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Texas
Total Programs
14
Median Tuition
$8,900
Top Program
Texas A & M University
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in New York
Total Programs
13
Median Tuition
$54,300
Top Program
Columbia University in the City of New York
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Florida
Total Programs
14
Median Tuition
$4,600
Top Program
University of Central Florida
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Virginia
Total Programs
8
Median Tuition
$12,700
Top Program
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania
Total Programs
14
Median Tuition
$36,200
Top Program
University of Pennsylvania
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Maryland
Total Programs
5
Median Tuition
$26,100
Top Program
University of Maryland
Best Computer Engineering Associate's Programs in Illinois
Total Programs
10
Median Tuition
$39,200
Top Program
University of Illinois Urbana

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

IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System)

Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

May 2024 salary data by occupation and location

College Scorecard

Department of Education outcomes data

Taylor Rupe

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.