Top-ranked graduate programs for advancing your career in hardware design, embedded systems, and computer architecture
$135,980 median salary · 98% graduation rate
Ranked #1 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (94.9/100): 98% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $56,550 in-state tuition, 60 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 96% graduation rate
Ranked #2 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (94.3/100): 96% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $66,722 in-state tuition, 36 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 88% graduation rate
Ranked #3 among online computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (93.8/100): 88% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $62,796 in-state tuition, 464 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 93% graduation rate
Ranked #4 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (93.6/100): 93% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $18,516 in-state tuition, 165 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 97% graduation rate
Ranked #5 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (93.3/100): 97% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $66,325 in-state tuition, 89 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 92% graduation rate
Ranked #6 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (93.2/100): 92% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $69,904 in-state tuition, 91 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 95% graduation rate
Ranked #7 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (92.6/100): 95% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $67,158 in-state tuition, 51 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 91% graduation rate
Ranked #8 among online computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (90.8/100): 91% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,477 in-state tuition, 3 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 96% graduation rate
Ranked #9 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (90.5/100): 96% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $19,472 in-state tuition, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$135,980 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Ranked #10 among computer engineering master's programs by Hakia Score (90.3/100): 86% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $12,260 in-state tuition, 62 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Hakia ranks Harvard University's master's computer engineering program #1. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cambridge, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $56,550/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 94.9
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York's master's computer engineering program #2. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,722/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 94.3
Hakia ranks New York University's online master's computer engineering program #3. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $62,796/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 93.8
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's master's computer engineering program #4. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $18,516/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 93.6
Hakia ranks Duke University's master's computer engineering program #5. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Durham, NC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,325/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 93.3
Hakia ranks University of Southern California's master's computer engineering program #6. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,904/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 93.2
Hakia ranks Northwestern University's master's computer engineering program #7. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Evanston, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,158/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 92.6
Hakia ranks University of Florida's online master's computer engineering program #8. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.8
Hakia ranks University of Virginia-Main Campus's master's computer engineering program #9. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Charlottesville, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $19,472/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.5
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego's master's computer engineering program #10. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.3
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | 92.9/100 |
| #3 University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | 91.6/100 |
| #4 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 90.9/100 |
| #5 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 89.1/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Master's in Computer Engineering Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $56,550 | 98% | $135,980 | 94.9 |
| #2 | Master's in Computer Engineering Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,722 | 96% | $135,980 | 94.3 |
| #3 | Master's in Computer Engineering New York UniversityNew York, NY · Private nonprofit | Online | $62,796 | 88% | $135,980 | 93.8 |
| #4 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor, MI · Public | On-campus | $18,516 | 93% | $135,980 | 93.6 |
| #5 | Master's in Computer Engineering Duke UniversityDurham, NC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,325 | 97% | $135,980 | 93.3 |
| #6 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,904 | 92% | $135,980 | 93.2 |
| #7 | Master's in Computer Engineering Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,158 | 95% | $135,980 | 92.6 |
| #8 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of FloridaGainesville, FL · Public | Online | $4,477 | 91% | $135,980 | 90.8 |
| #9 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville, VA · Public | On-campus | $19,472 | 96% | $135,980 | 90.5 |
| #10 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $135,980 | 90.3 |
| #11 | Master's in Computer Engineering Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $64,500 | 94% | $135,980 | 90.1 |
| #12 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 87% | $135,980 | 90.0 |
| #13 | Master's in Computer Engineering North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC · Public | Online | $6,535 | 85% | $135,980 | 89.8 |
| #14 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of Notre DameNotre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $64,518 | 95% | $135,980 | 89.6 |
| #15 | Master's in Computer Engineering Boston UniversityBoston, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,670 | 89% | $135,980 | 89.4 |
| #16 | Master's in Computer Engineering Tufts UniversityMedford, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,146 | 94% | $135,980 | 88.6 |
| #17 | Master's in Computer Engineering Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH · Public | On-campus | $12,180 | 88% | $135,980 | 87.9 |
| #18 | Master's in Computer Engineering Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg, VA · Public | On-campus | $13,152 | 86% | $135,980 | 86.9 |
| #19 | Master's in Computer Engineering Villanova UniversityVillanova, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,838 | 92% | $135,980 | 86.0 |
| #20 | Master's in Computer Engineering Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $60,639 | 88% | $135,980 | 85.5 |
| #21 | Master's in Computer Engineering Clemson UniversityClemson, SC · Public | On-campus | $14,038 | 87% | $135,980 | 85.3 |
| #22 | Master's in Computer Engineering Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · Public | Online | $11,016 | 82% | $135,980 | 85.2 |
| #23 | Master's in Computer Engineering Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station, TX · Public | Online | $9,092 | 84% | $135,980 | 85.0 |
| #24 | Master's in Computer Engineering Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 76% | $135,980 | 84.8 |
| #25 | Master's in Computer Engineering Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,020 | 87% | $135,980 | 84.8 |
| #26 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,478 | 78% | $135,980 | 84.7 |
| #27 | Master's in Computer Engineering Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $63,930 | 88% | $135,980 | 84.4 |
| #28 | Master's in Computer Engineering Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $61,028 | 87% | $135,980 | 84.2 |
| #29 | Master's in Computer Engineering Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $63,710 | 84% | $135,980 | 83.9 |
| #30 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of South FloridaTampa, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,559 | 77% | $135,980 | 83.4 |
| #31 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of ConnecticutStorrs, CT · Public | On-campus | $17,010 | 83% | $135,980 | 82.7 |
| #32 | Master's in Computer Engineering George Washington UniversityWashington, DC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,420 | 84% | $135,980 | 82.6 |
| #33 | Master's in Computer Engineering The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN · Public | On-campus | $11,560 | 74% | $135,980 | 81.8 |
| #34 | Master's in Computer Engineering The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX · Public | On-campus | $10,639 | 76% | $135,980 | 79.9 |
| #35 | Master's in Computer Engineering Florida International UniversityMiami, FL · Public | Online | $4,721 | 74% | $135,980 | 79.7 |
| #36 | Master's in Computer Engineering Southern Methodist UniversityDallas, TX · Private nonprofit | Online | $59,500 | 84% | $135,980 | 78.8 |
| #37 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC · Public | On-campus | $12,288 | 79% | $135,980 | 78.7 |
| #38 | Master's in Computer Engineering Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $60,970 | 79% | $135,980 | 78.6 |
| #39 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of DelawareNewark, DE · Public | Online | $14,600 | 81% | $135,980 | 78.1 |
| #40 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of California-RiversideRiverside, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 76% | $135,980 | 77.5 |
| #41 | Master's in Computer Engineering Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington, IN · Public | On-campus | $10,622 | 80% | $135,980 | 77.3 |
| #42 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of DaytonDayton, OH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $49,140 | 80% | $135,980 | 77.1 |
| #43 | Master's in Computer Engineering New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark, NJ · Public | On-campus | $16,334 | 73% | $135,980 | 76.8 |
| #44 | Master's in Computer Engineering Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $50,636 | 75% | $135,980 | 76.5 |
| #45 | Master's in Computer Engineering Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $58,260 | 70% | $135,980 | 76.0 |
| #46 | Master's in Computer Engineering Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $60,042 | 78% | $135,980 | 74.9 |
| #47 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH · Public | On-campus | $11,685 | 75% | $135,980 | 74.7 |
| #48 | Master's in Computer Engineering San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 69% | $135,980 | 74.6 |
| #49 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 75% | $135,980 | 74.0 |
| #50 | Master's in Computer Engineering University of TulsaTulsa, OK · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $48,340 | 72% | $135,980 | 73.9 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
The total cost of a masters's degree in Computer Engineering ranges from $48,000 at public universities to over $220,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (US News, IPEDS 2024-24).
With median starting salaries of $155,020, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Design and develop computer systems and components including processors, memory systems, and specialized hardware
Design complex computing systems and oversee integration of hardware and software components
Conduct advanced research in computer engineering, often in industry R&D or government laboratories
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
We scored 50 master's computer engineering programs on the Hakia Score, a 0 to 100 composite drawn from federal IPEDS 2024 and BLS figures, and Harvard University's Master's in Computer Engineering sits at the top. In-state tuition across the list spans $4,477 to $69,904.
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.
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.
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.
National salary data for computer engineering graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
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.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Program rankings and institutional data
Employment and salary statistics for computer hardware engineers
Tuition costs and program information
Program accreditation status and requirements
The best computer engineering master's programs combine rigorous academic training with practical industry experience. Top programs feature faculty who are active researchers in advanced areas like artificial intelligence hardware, quantum computing, and cybersecurity systems. These programs maintain strong industry partnerships that provide students with internship opportunities and direct pathways to employment.
Research opportunities are a hallmark of excellent programs. Students work alongside faculty on funded projects from organizations like the National Science Foundation and DARPA, gaining hands-on experience with emerging technologies. The best programs also offer state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including clean rooms for semiconductor fabrication, advanced testing equipment, and high-performance computing clusters.
Career services and industry connections set top programs apart. Leading schools maintain relationships with major technology companies, defense contractors, and startups. These connections result in job placement rates above 90% within six months of graduation, with many students receiving multiple offers. Alumni networks also play a crucial role, with graduates often recruiting from their alma mater.
The curriculum in top programs balances theoretical foundations with practical skills. Core courses cover digital system design, computer architecture, embedded systems, and signal processing. Advanced electives allow specialization in areas like artificial intelligence hardware, cybersecurity systems, or wireless communications. Many programs require a thesis or capstone project that demonstrates mastery of both technical and research skills.
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.