Updated June 28, 2026

Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs 2026

Compare 486 ABET-accredited computer engineering bachelor's degree programs using data from IPEDS 2024 and BLS 2024. Our rankings analyze graduation rates, tuition costs, student-faculty ratios, and career outcomes.

Programs Ranked:486
Median Tuition:$13,250/yr
Avg Graduation Rate:72%
Median Starting Salary:$78,000
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Key Takeaways

  • 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 2024 completion data

Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10

🥇

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Atlanta, GAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 94% graduation rate

96.4
Score
$11K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (96.4/100): 94% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $10,512 in-state tuition, 171 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $10,512 in-state tuition
  • 171 graduates annually
🥈

University of California-Los Angeles

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Los Angeles, CAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 93% graduation rate

95.9
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.9/100): 93% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $12,260 in-state tuition, 106 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $12,260 in-state tuition
  • 106 graduates annually
🥉

University of Florida

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Gainesville, FLPublic

$135,980 median salary · 91% graduation rate

95.9
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.9/100): 91% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,477 in-state tuition, 92 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $4,477 in-state tuition
  • 92 graduates annually
#4

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Ann Arbor, MIPublic

$135,980 median salary · 93% graduation rate

95.2
Score
$19K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.2/100): 93% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $18,516 in-state tuition, 114 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $18,516 in-state tuition
  • 114 graduates annually
#5

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
New York, NYPrivate nonprofit

$135,980 median salary · 96% graduation rate

94.4
Score
$67K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.4/100): 96% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $66,722 in-state tuition, 25 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $66,722 in-state tuition
  • 25 graduates annually
#6

Northeastern University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$135,980 median salary · 91% graduation rate

94.3
Score
$65K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.3/100): 91% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $64,990 in-state tuition, 124 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $64,990 in-state tuition
  • 124 graduates annually
#7

Duke University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Durham, NCPrivate nonprofit

$135,980 median salary · 97% graduation rate

94.1
Score
$66K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.1/100): 97% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $66,325 in-state tuition, 92 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $66,325 in-state tuition
  • 92 graduates annually
#8

New York University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
New York, NYPrivate nonprofit

$135,980 median salary · 88% graduation rate

94.0
Score
$63K
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94/100): 88% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $62,796 in-state tuition, 46 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 88% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $62,796 in-state tuition
  • 46 graduates annually
#9

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Charlottesville, VAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 96% graduation rate

93.9
Score
$19K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.9/100): 96% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $19,472 in-state tuition, 46 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $19,472 in-state tuition
  • 46 graduates annually
#10

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Madison, WIPublic

$135,980 median salary · 90% graduation rate

93.7
Score
$10K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.7/100): 90% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $10,006 in-state tuition, 75 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $10,006 in-state tuition
  • 75 graduates annually

Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's bachelor's computer engineering program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,512/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 96.4

  2. #2. University of California-Los Angeles — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles's bachelor's computer engineering program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 95.9

  3. #3. University of Florida — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of Florida's bachelor's computer engineering program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 95.9

  4. #4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's bachelor's computer engineering program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $18,516/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 95.2

  5. #5. Columbia University in the City of New York — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York's bachelor's computer engineering program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,722/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 94.4

  6. #6. Northeastern University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Northeastern University's bachelor's computer engineering program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,990/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 94.3

  7. #7. Duke University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Duke University's bachelor's computer engineering program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Durham, NC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,325/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 94.1

  8. #8. New York University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks New York University's bachelor's computer engineering program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $62,796/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 94.0

  9. #9. University of Virginia-Main Campus — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of Virginia-Main Campus's bachelor's computer engineering program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Charlottesville, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $19,472/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 93.9

  10. #10. University of Wisconsin-Madison — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of Wisconsin-Madison's bachelor's computer engineering program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Madison, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,006/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 93.7

Best Computer Engineering Programs - Compare Top 5

SchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateScore
#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

Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.

Top 50 Computer Engineering Programs 2026

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
On-campus$10,51294%$135,98096.4
#2
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26093%$135,98095.9
#3
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47791%$135,98095.9
#4
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
On-campus$18,51693%$135,98095.2
#5
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,72296%$135,98094.4
#6
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,99091%$135,98094.3
#7
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Duke University
Durham, NC · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,32597%$135,98094.1
#8
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$62,79688%$135,98094.0
#9
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
On-campus$19,47296%$135,98093.9
#10
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
On-campus$10,00690%$135,98093.7
#11
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$69,90492%$135,98093.6
#12
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
On-campus$10,08789%$135,98093.5
#13
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26087%$135,98093.3
#14
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26086%$135,98093.3
#15
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Boston University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,67089%$135,98093.3
#16
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,92097%$135,98093.0
#17
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
On-campus$4,64086%$135,98092.9
#18
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$67,15895%$135,98092.8
#19
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
On-campus$10,03490%$135,98092.5
#20
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08486%$135,98092.4
#21
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC · Public
On-campus$6,53585%$135,98092.3
#22
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
On-campus$14,97585%$135,98092.2
#23
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,73094%$135,98092.1
#24
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26086%$135,98091.7
#25
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
On-campus$12,18088%$135,98091.4
#26
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,50094%$135,98091.3
#27
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,51895%$135,98091.1
#28
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
On-campus$11,86985%$135,98091.1
#29
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08476%$135,98090.8
#30
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
On-campus$9,71883%$135,98090.5
#31
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07082%$135,98090.4
#32
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
On-campus$65,00894%$135,98090.4
#33
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public
On-campus$13,15286%$135,98090.3
#34
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26083%$135,98090.2
#35
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47878%$135,98090.2
#36
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,83892%$135,98090.2
#37
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
On-campus$14,03887%$135,98090.2
#38
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Tufts University
Medford, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$69,14694%$135,98090.0
#39
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD · Public
On-campus93%$135,98089.3
#40
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
On-campus$9,09284%$135,98089.1
#41
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
On-campus$20,06686%$135,98088.6
#42
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07076%$135,98088.5
#43
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA · Public
On-campus$20,55685%$135,98088.4
#44
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,02087%$135,98088.3
#45
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,63988%$135,98088.2
#46
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
On-campus$17,00683%$135,98088.2
#47
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$63,93088%$135,98088.2
#48
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
On-campus$61,02887%$135,98087.7
#49
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Auburn University
Auburn, AL · Public
On-campus$11,01682%$135,98087.6
#50
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
On-campus$17,01083%$135,98087.6

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

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.

analysis of 486 ABET-accredited computer engineering programs uses data from IPEDS 2024 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.

$78,000
Starting Salary
$125,000
Mid-Career
+8%
Job Growth
25,000
Annual Openings

Career Paths

Hardware Engineer

SOC 17-2061
+5%

Design and develop computer hardware components including processors, memory devices, and circuit boards.

Median Salary:$128,170

Embedded Systems Engineer

SOC 17-2061
+8%

Develop software and firmware for embedded systems in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and IoT applications.

Median Salary:$118,370

Network Architect

SOC 15-1241
+4%

Design and implement computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud infrastructure.

Median Salary:$120,650

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Analyze business requirements and design technology solutions to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Median Salary:$102,240

Top States for Computer Engineering Education

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, 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

Elite Private Universities (MIT, Stanford, CMU)

  • You prioritize prestige and are willing to pay premium tuition
  • You want access to advanced research and top-tier faculty
  • You're targeting roles at major tech companies or startups
  • You plan to pursue graduate school or academic research

Top Public Universities (UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, UIUC)

  • 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

Online Computer Engineering Programs

  • 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

Regional Universities and Specialized Programs

  • 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

What's the difference between computer engineering and computer science?
Computer engineering combines electrical engineering with computer science, focusing on hardware-software integration, embedded systems, and computer architecture. Computer science emphasizes software development, algorithms, and theoretical computing. Computer engineering graduates work on systems where hardware and software interact, while computer science graduates focus primarily on software applications and systems.
How long does it take to complete a computer engineering degree?
A bachelor's degree in computer engineering takes 4 years of full-time study (120-128 credit hours). Many programs offer co-op options that extend the timeline to 5 years but provide valuable industry experience. Master's programs add 1-2 years, while doctoral programs require 4-6 additional years of research-focused study.
What math skills do I need for computer engineering?
Computer engineering requires strong mathematical foundations including calculus I-III, differential equations, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics. Physics courses in mechanics and electromagnetics are also essential. Most programs require 2-3 years of mathematics and science prerequisites before advanced engineering coursework.
Can I work in software engineering with a computer engineering degree?
Computer engineering graduates are well-prepared for software engineering roles and often have advantages in systems programming, embedded software, and roles requiring hardware understanding. Many computer engineering programs include substantial programming coursework in C/C++, Python, and assembly language. The hardware background provides valuable perspective for performance optimization and system design.
What programming languages should computer engineering students learn?
Essential programming languages for computer engineering include C and C++ for systems programming, Python for scripting and data analysis, and assembly language for low-level programming. Verilog or VHDL are important for hardware design, while Java and other high-level languages expand career options. Most programs start with C/C++ as foundational languages.
Are online computer engineering degrees as respected as on-campus programs?
Online computer engineering degrees from accredited institutions are increasingly respected by employers, especially from established universities. However, hands-on lab experience is crucial in computer engineering, so look for programs with strong lab components, either through local partnerships or intensive residencies. Employers focus more on skills and project experience than delivery method.
What career opportunities exist for computer engineering graduates?
Computer engineering opens diverse career paths including software engineering, hardware design, embedded systems development, cybersecurity, AI/ML engineering, DevOps, and systems architecture. Graduates work in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to telecommunications and consumer electronics. The interdisciplinary nature provides flexibility to move between hardware and software roles throughout your career.
How much can I expect to earn with a computer engineering degree?
Computer engineering graduates earn median starting salaries of $78,000, with top programs achieving $85,000-$115,000. Mid-career salaries reach $125,000-$150,000, with senior engineers and managers earning $200,000+. Salaries vary by location, with Silicon Valley, Seattle, and other tech hubs offering premium compensation. Specialized skills in AI, cybersecurity, or systems architecture command higher salaries.
Do I need to pursue graduate school for computer engineering?
A bachelor's degree is sufficient for most computer engineering positions, including software engineering and systems design roles. Graduate school becomes valuable for research positions, advanced technical roles, academia, or specialized fields like chip design. Many professionals earn master's degrees part-time while working, often with employer tuition assistance.
How important is ABET accreditation for computer engineering programs?
ABET accreditation is highly important for computer engineering programs as it ensures curriculum quality and is required for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. While not all computer engineering roles require PE licensure, ABET accreditation signals rigorous academic standards and is preferred by many employers, especially in traditional engineering industries and government positions.

How We Rank Computer Engineering Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

We scored 50 computer engineering programs on the Hakia Score, a 0 to 100 composite drawn from federal IPEDS 2024 and BLS figures, and Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's Bachelor's in Computer Engineering sits at the top. 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 2024Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

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

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.