- 1.Computer Hardware Engineers earn a median salary of $128,170 with 5% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Engineering programs include University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of California-Irvine, Ohio State University-Main Campus based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers computer engineering education at $14,768/year with 90% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Computer Engineering programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
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.
Program Overview
UC Irvine's Computer Engineering program within the Henry Samueli School of Engineering offers both undergraduate and graduate pathways that blend hardware and software expertise. The undergraduate B.S. requires 187 units covering mathematics, physics, core engineering courses, and specialized computer engineering topics including digital systems, computer architecture, VLSI design, and embedded systems. The graduate M.S. program provides two tracks: a thesis option requiring 12 courses plus original research, and a comprehensive examination option focusing on advanced coursework. Students can pursue part-time study with a four-year completion limit. The program emphasizes practical application through required senior design projects and laboratory experiences, while faculty research spans parallel computing, embedded systems, computer networks, security, and low-power design.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Leading-edge interdisciplinary research in embedded systems, automotive, medical and communications applications
World-class cleanroom for micro- and nanosystems research and development
Information processing capabilities of biological visual systems and computational vision systems
Industry Partners
Admissions
Ohio State University-Main Campus
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.
Program Overview
Ohio State University's Computer Engineering program operates through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) within the College of Engineering, offering a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (BS CSE) that uniquely bridges hardware and software disciplines. The program has been delivering excellence for over 50 years, housed in the 395 Dreese Laboratories complex on Neil Avenue. Students can pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with the department offering MS and PhD programs in Computer Science and Engineering. The program is distinguished by its comprehensive research infrastructure, including specialized laboratories like the ElectroScience Laboratory, Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust (ICDT), and the High Performance Computing facilities. The department maintains strong industry connections and provides extensive hands-on experience through capstone design projects and undergraduate research opportunities.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cybersecurity research and education across multiple engineering disciplines
Advanced electromagnetic and wireless systems research
Autonomous vehicles and automotive engineering systems
High-performance computing and simulation technologies
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Merced
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.
University of California-San Diego
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.
Purdue University-Main Campus
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.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
233 computer engineering graduates annually
San Diego State University
122 computer engineering graduates annually
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
157 computer engineering graduates annually
University of California-Davis
102 computer engineering graduates annually
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Compare Top 5
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 86/100 |
| #2 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 85.7/100 |
| #3 Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus, OH | Public | $11,826 | 90% | 85/100 |
| #4 University of California-Merced | Merced, CA | Public | $11,834 | 95% | 84.2/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 80.9/100 |
Top 50 Computer Engineering Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 86 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 85.7 |
| 3 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus, OH | Public | $11,826 | 90% | — | 85 |
| 4 | University of California-Merced | Merced, CA | Public | $11,834 | 95% | — | 84.2 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 80.9 |
| 6 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 79.7 |
| 7 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | — | 78.5 |
| 8 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | Public | $5,742 | 83% | — | 75.8 |
| 9 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | — | 74.6 |
| 10 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | 74.5 |
| 11 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | 74 |
| 12 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 73.9 |
| 13 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | 73.3 |
| 14 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 71.2 |
| 15 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 70.7 |
| 16 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 70.7 |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | — | 70.3 |
| 18 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | Public | $18,823 | 96% | — | 70.3 |
| 19 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | — | 69.4 |
| 20 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | 68.8 |
| 21 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 68.6 |
| 22 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | 68.5 |
| 23 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 68.3 |
| 24 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | Public | $5,742 | 87% | — | 68 |
| 25 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 66.7 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Computer Engineering Degree Overview: What You'll Learn
Computer engineering combines electrical engineering principles with computer science concepts to design and develop computer systems and hardware. This interdisciplinary field prepares graduates for careers in software engineering, AI/ML engineering, embedded systems design, and hardware development.
Our comprehensive analysis of 486 ABET-accredited computer engineering programs uses data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS 2024 to rank programs based on graduation rates (40%), student-faculty ratios (30%), career outcomes (20%), and selectivity (10%). The computer engineering degree hub provides additional program information and career pathways.
Computer engineering graduates pursue diverse career paths including DevOps engineering, systems architecture, cybersecurity analysis, and embedded software development. The field offers strong job security with 8% projected growth through 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications, systems, and platforms using programming languages and development frameworks.
Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and develop computer hardware components including processors, memory devices, and circuit boards.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems for applications in automation, data analysis, and intelligent systems.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Bridge development and operations teams by implementing automation, continuous integration, and deployment pipelines.
Cybersecurity Engineer
SOC 15-1212Design and implement security systems to protect computer networks, systems, and data from cyber threats.
Embedded Systems Engineer
SOC 17-2061Develop software and firmware for embedded systems in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and IoT applications.
Network Architect
SOC 15-1241Design and implement computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud infrastructure.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze business requirements and design technology solutions to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
Top States for Computer Engineering Education
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Ohio
Michigan
Georgia
How Much Does a Computer Engineering Degree Cost?
Computer engineering degree costs vary significantly by institution type and state residency. Public universities offer substantial savings for in-state students, with median annual tuition of $13,250 compared to $45,120 at private institutions. When considering total 4-year costs including room, board, and fees, the difference can exceed $150,000.
Financial aid opportunities are abundant for computer engineering students. Merit-based scholarships often target STEM majors, while need-based aid can significantly reduce costs. Many students also participate in paid internships and co-op programs that provide both experience and income. For comprehensive financial planning, see our FAFSA guide for STEM majors and scholarship opportunities for women in tech.
Top Programs Analysis: Elite vs Accessible Excellence
The top-ranked computer engineering programs demonstrate clear patterns in their success factors. MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley maintain their dominance through exceptional faculty-to-student ratios, world-class research facilities, and strong industry partnerships. These programs consistently produce graduates with starting salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.
Public universities like Georgia Tech (#5) and University of Illinois (#6) offer exceptional value propositions, combining rigorous academics with affordable tuition. Georgia Tech's in-state tuition of $10,258 represents outstanding value for a program ranked in the top 5 globally, while maintaining a 90% graduation rate and strong career outcomes.
Program Spotlights: Deep Dive into Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs
These detailed program profiles showcase what makes each top-ranked computer engineering program exceptional. From MIT's pioneering research labs to Georgia Tech's industry partnerships, these institutions set the standard for computer engineering education and career preparation.
Choose Your Program Type Based on Your Goals
- You prioritize prestige and are willing to pay premium tuition
- You want access to cutting-edge research and top-tier faculty
- You're targeting roles at major tech companies or startups
- You plan to pursue graduate school or academic research
- You want excellent education at lower cost, especially in-state
- You value large, diverse student populations and extensive resources
- You're interested in strong industry partnerships and co-op programs
- You want access to major tech hubs with reasonable tuition
- You're a working professional seeking career advancement
- You need flexible scheduling to balance work and family
- You prefer self-paced learning with recorded lectures
- You want to minimize relocation and living expenses
- You want smaller class sizes and more personalized attention
- You're interested in specific specializations like embedded systems
- You prefer to stay close to home or target regional employers
- You want to minimize debt while still getting quality education
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Engineering Programs
Based on 486 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific computer engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and References
Institutional characteristics, completion data, graduation rates, admissions data, and tuition information for all accredited institutions
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for computer hardware engineers and related occupations
Accreditation status and program information for engineering and technology programs
Engineering education statistics and workforce data
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.