- 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 Best Value
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
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Intel Corporation, Meta, Google. Graduates find positions at Microsoft, Amazon, Capital One.
Hakia Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $103,222, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
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
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Capital One
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
University of California-Irvine's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Applied Medical.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's partnerships with Northrop Grumman and Boeing translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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
Career Outcomes
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-Main Campus's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Honda, Ohio Manufacturing Institute.
Hakia Insight: Ohio State University-Main Campus's partnerships with Honda and Ohio Manufacturing Institute translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Various ECE research areas
Electromagnetics and wireless systems
Power electronics and energy systems
Cybersecurity and digital systems
Advanced sensor development
Device fabrication and characterization
Nanoscale electronics
Power system management
Semiconductor materials
Autonomous systems
Transportation systems
Optical systems
Infrared detection systems
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
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.
Program Overview
University of California-Merced's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society), IBM. Central Valley location with growing agricultural technology sector
Hakia Insight: University of California-Merced's partnerships with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and IBM translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Scientific data processing, multi-dimensional array management, infrastructure for big data analytics
Solar infrastructure measurement, search and rescue operations in infrastructure-deficient environments
Cooperative multi-robot systems, map merging, pursuit-evasion games
Virtual reality, applied artificial intelligence, effective computer system interaction
Location Advantages
- •Central Valley location with growing agricultural technology sector
- •Proximity to Bay Area and Silicon Valley tech companies (1.5 hours)
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering department offers Master of Science degrees in both Computer Science and Computer Engineering, designed with remarkable flexibility to serve diverse post-graduate needs. Students can choose from three distinct pathways: a Thesis Plan for research-focused students, a Comprehensive Standard Plan, or a Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan that integrates coursework from other departments. The program accommodates both full-time students and working professionals through part-time enrollment options, with a structured curriculum emphasizing fundamental concepts, breadth across multiple domains, and deep specialization in chosen areas.
The department's approach ensures students gain exposure to fundamental concepts and tools, advanced perspectives in areas outside their specialization through the Breadth requirement covering Theory, Systems, and Applications, and deep expertise in their chosen research area through the Depth requirement. The program maintains rigorous academic standards with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and specific grade requirements for core coursework. Students benefit from the department's integration within the broader Jacobs School of Engineering, which houses numerous research centers launched since 2014, including specialized institutes focused on machine intelligence, microbiome innovation, and contextual robotics.
Hakia Insight: University of California-San Diego's Contextual Robotics Institute and Information Theory and Applications Center position students at the forefront of computer engineering research.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI security and computational intelligence research
Network architecture and distributed systems
Computer vision and graphics research
AI-driven robotics and autonomous systems
Theoretical foundations of information processing
Career Outcomes
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
Purdue University-Main Campus's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Amazon, Apple, Intel Corporation. Proximity to Chicago's tech scene and Indianapolis's growing tech corridor; strong pipeline to California's Silicon Valley via Purdue alumni networks Graduates find positions at Intel, Microsoft, Google.
Hakia Insight: Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn $6,500,075,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced nanotechnology research and fabrication
Advanced engineering research
Aerospace and propulsion research
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Chicago's tech scene and Indianapolis's growing tech corridor; strong pipeline to California's Silicon Valley via Purdue alumni networks
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Intel, Microsoft, Google, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The program emphasizes industry-related hands-on experiences and opportunities for undergraduate research and co-op/internships, building on a strong foundation in mathematics, physical science, and computer programming.
Program Overview
The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering administers the Computer Engineering (CPE) degree program. CPE provides the critical technology base for a broad range of industries, including bioinformatics, computing hardware, computer networking and security, embedded computing, telecommunications, and video/image processing.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
cybersecurity research
micro and nanofabrication
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
San Diego State University
122 computer engineering graduates annually
Program Overview
San Diego State University's Master of Science in Big Data Analytics is a transdisciplinary 30-unit graduate program that combines technology, business, engineering, science, and social science. The program features a dual-core approach with required courses in Big Data Science and Analytics Platforms, Python Scripting, Enterprise Data Management, and Machine Learning Engineering. Students can choose from extensive electives spanning computer science, geography, linguistics, business analytics,
Hakia Insight: San Diego State University's Metabolism of Cities Living Lab (MOC-LLAB) and Data-informed Construction Engineering (DiCE) research lab position students at the forefront of computer engineering research.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Human dynamics, social media, big data, visualization
UN Sustainable Development Goals localization
AI, IoT, cyber-physical systems in construction
Space operations sensing, guidance, dynamics, and control
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
The program offers the ability to customize studies with curriculum threads, with students selecting two threads from computer engineering foundation, computer science, or electrical engineering areas, with at least one being from the computer engineering foundation threads.
Program Overview
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Apple.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of California-Davis
UC Davis computer engineering provides fundamental skills for long-term employability in a rapidly changing field while offering hands-on work with cutting-edge technologies in electronics, digital systems, and circuits fabrication.
Program Overview
University of California-Davis's Computer Engineering program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Near Silicon Valley for innovation trends Graduates find positions at Intel, HP, Amazon.
Hakia Insight: Near Silicon Valley for innovation trends
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Near Silicon Valley for innovation trends
- •Collaboration opportunities with industry
- •Access to latest technology developments
Career Outcomes
Intel, HP, Amazon, Facebook, Google
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location: Champaign, IL | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,768/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 86.0
What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $103,222, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
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: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2 years); Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) (2-3 semesters); Master of Engineering Online (M.Eng.) (Up to 5 years); PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (4-6 years)
Research Labs: Coordinated Science Laboratory - Premier multidisciplinary research laboratory focusing on information technology at the crossroads of circuits, computing, control, and communications; Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Laboratory - One of the country's largest and most sophisticated university facilities for photonics, microelectronics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology research; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology - Advanced science and technology research with cross-departmental faculty appointments
Industry Partners: Intel Corporation, Meta, Google, Boeing, Cadence
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Capital One | Common Roles: computer system architecture, GPU architecture, hardware design, microprocessor design, programming, research, software architecture
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum, but applicants with GPAs below 3.5 are rarely admitted due to space limitations
#2. University of California-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 85.7
What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's partnerships with Northrop Grumman and Boeing translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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: B.S. in Computer Engineering (4 years); M.S. in Computer Engineering - Thesis Option (2 years); M.S. in Computer Engineering - Comprehensive Exam Option (2 years)
Research Labs: Center for Embedded Computer Systems (CECS) - Leading-edge interdisciplinary research in embedded systems, automotive, medical and communications applications; Integrated Nanosystems Research Facility (INRF) - World-class cleanroom for micro- and nanosystems research and development; Computational Vision Lab - Information processing capabilities of biological visual systems and computational vision systems
Industry Partners: Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Applied Medical
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#3. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Location: Columbus, OH | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,826/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 85.0
What makes Ohio State University-Main Campus stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Ohio State University-Main Campus's partnerships with Honda and Ohio Manufacturing Institute translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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: BS Computer Science and Engineering (4 years); MS Computer Science and Engineering (2 years); PhD Computer Science and Engineering (4-6 years)
Research Labs: Research Laboratories, Centers, and Institutes - Various ECE research areas; ElectroScience Laboratory - Electromagnetics and wireless systems; Center for High Performance Power Electronics - Power electronics and energy systems; Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust - Cybersecurity and digital systems; Circuit Laboratory for Advanced Sensors and Systems - Advanced sensor development; Electronic Materials and Device Laboratory - Device fabrication and characterization; Nanoelectronics and Optoelectronics Laboratory - Nanoscale electronics; Power Management Research Laboratory - Power system management; Semiconductor Epitaxy and Analysis Laboratory - Semiconductor materials; Autonomous Systems Perception, Intelligence, and Navigation Laboratory - Autonomous systems; Control and Intelligent Transportation Research Lab - Transportation systems; Hyperspectral Engine Lab for Integrated Optical Systems Laboratory - Optical systems; Krishna Infrared Detector Laboratory - Infrared detection systems
Industry Partners: Honda, Ohio Manufacturing Institute
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Hardware Designer, Software Engineer
Notable Faculty: Dr. Joel Johnson (Electromagnetics); Dr. Paul Berger (Nanotechnology and Devices); Dr. Len Brillson (Solid State Electronics and Photonics); Dr. Zak Kassas (Systems and Navigation); Dr. Tanya Berger-Wolf (Computer Networks and Communication)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET
#4. University of California-Merced
Location: Merced, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 84.2
What makes University of California-Merced stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Merced's partnerships with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and IBM translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: UC Merced's Computer Science and Engineering program represents the cutting-edge approach of America's youngest UC campus, founded in 2005. Students work directly with world-class faculty in an intimate setting, engaging in research from robotics and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and big data systems. The program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with hands-on experience using the most modern technologies available, preparing graduates for the rapid evolution of the tech industry. The undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering B.S. degree emphasizes both practical exposure and theoretical depth, while the graduate Electrical Engineering and Computer Science programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) offer individualized, research-intensive pathways. With connections to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society), students gain access to specialized computational equipment and collaborative opportunities that extend far beyond traditional classroom learning.
Degree Programs: Computer Science and Engineering B.S. (4 years); Electrical Engineering and Computer Science M.S. (2 years typical); Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Ph.D. (4-6 years typical)
Research Labs: Big Data Systems and Analytics Lab - Scientific data processing, multi-dimensional array management, infrastructure for big data analytics; Computer Networks Research Group - Solar infrastructure measurement, search and rescue operations in infrastructure-deficient environments; Robotics Laboratory - Cooperative multi-robot systems, map merging, pursuit-evasion games; Human-Computer Interaction Lab - Virtual reality, applied artificial intelligence, effective computer system interaction
Industry Partners: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society), IBM, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited (Engineering Accreditation Commission)
#5. University of California-San Diego
Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 80.9
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of California-San Diego's Contextual Robotics Institute and Information Theory and Applications Center position students at the forefront of computer engineering research.
Program Overview: UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering department offers Master of Science degrees in both Computer Science and Computer Engineering, designed with remarkable flexibility to serve diverse post-graduate needs. Students can choose from three distinct pathways: a Thesis Plan for research-focused students, a Comprehensive Standard Plan, or a Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan that integrates coursework from other departments. The program accommodates both full-time students and working professionals through part-time enrollment options, with a structured curriculum emphasizing fundamental concepts, breadth across multiple domains, and deep specialization in chosen areas. The department's approach ensures students gain exposure to fundamental concepts and tools, advanced perspectives in areas outside their specialization through the Breadth requirement covering Theory, Systems, and Applications, and deep expertise in their chosen research area through the Depth requirement. The program maintains rigorous academic standards with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and specific grade requirements for core coursework. Students benefit from the department's integration within the broader Jacobs School of Engineering, which houses numerous research centers launched since 2014, including specialized institutes focused on machine intelligence, microbiome innovation, and contextual robotics.
Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science and Engineering - Thesis Plan (Minimum 3 quarters); MS in Computer Science and Engineering - Comprehensive Standard Plan (Minimum 3 quarters); MS in Computer Science and Engineering - Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan (Minimum 3 quarters); MS in Computer Science and Engineering (Computer Engineering) (Minimum 3 quarters)
Research Labs: Center for Machine-Intelligence, Computing and Security - AI security and computational intelligence research; Center for Networked Systems - Network architecture and distributed systems; Center for Visual Computing - Computer vision and graphics research; Contextual Robotics Institute - AI-driven robotics and autonomous systems; Information Theory and Applications Center - Theoretical foundations of information processing
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: embedded systems, IoT development
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum overall GPA required for good standing
#6. Purdue University-Main Campus
Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,718/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 79.7
What makes Purdue University-Main Campus stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn $6,500,075,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Program Overview: Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a comprehensive Computer Engineering program through both undergraduate and graduate pathways. The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is ranked #10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, with graduates earning an average starting salary of $91,948 within six months. Students can pursue their studies at both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, with first-year engineering students in West Lafayette building foundational skills before transitioning to their specialty major in the second year. At the graduate level, Purdue offers multiple Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) tracks, including a fully online program ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. The program serves working professionals through flexible, asynchronous coursework while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum and world-class faculty as on-campus programs. Students can specialize in areas including Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Communications and Signal Processing, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, and emerging fields like quantum computing and IoT. The school houses over 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students with 135 faculty members, supported by extensive research facilities including the Birck Nanotechnology Center.
Degree Programs: BS Computer Engineering (4 years); MSECE Professional Master's (2 years); MSECE Online (24 months); MSECE Thesis Track (2 years); 4+1 BS/MSECE (5 years total); PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (4-6 years)
Research Labs: Birck Nanotechnology Center - Advanced nanotechnology research and fabrication; Ray W. Herrick Laboratories - Advanced engineering research; Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories - Aerospace and propulsion research
Industry Partners: Amazon, Apple, Intel Corporation, General Motors, Texas Instruments Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., John Deere
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Intel, Microsoft, Google, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, Amazon, Apple | Common Roles: Hardware Design Engineer, VLSI Design Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Systems Architect
Notable Faculty: David Inderrieden (Analog and mixed-signal circuit design); Mireille Boutin (Digital signal processing and embedded systems)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#7. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Location: Blacksburg, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,698/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 78.5
What makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University stand out: The program emphasizes industry-related hands-on experiences and opportunities for undergraduate research and co-op/internships, building on a strong foundation in mathematics, physical science, and computer programming.
Program Overview: The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering administers the Computer Engineering (CPE) degree program. CPE provides the critical technology base for a broad range of industries, including bioinformatics, computing hardware, computer networking and security, embedded computing, telecommunications, and video/image processing.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science; Master of Engineering; Master of Science; Doctor of Philosophy
Research Labs: Information Technology Security Lab - cybersecurity research; Micro-/Nanofabrication Cleanroom - micro and nanofabrication
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Professor Rafael Davalos (biomedical applications)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET
#8. San Diego State University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 75.8
Hakia Insight: San Diego State University's Metabolism of Cities Living Lab (MOC-LLAB) and Data-informed Construction Engineering (DiCE) research lab position students at the forefront of computer engineering research.
Program Overview: San Diego State University's Master of Science in Big Data Analytics is a transdisciplinary 30-unit graduate program that combines technology, business, engineering, science, and social science. The program features a dual-core approach with required courses in Big Data Science and Analytics Platforms, Python Scripting, Enterprise Data Management, and Machine Learning Engineering. Students can choose from extensive electives spanning computer science, geography, linguistics, business analytics,
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Computer Engineering
Research Labs: Center for Human Dynamics in the Mobile Age (HDMA) - Human dynamics, social media, big data, visualization; Metabolism of Cities Living Lab (MOC-LLAB) - UN Sustainable Development Goals localization; Data-informed Construction Engineering (DiCE) research lab - AI, IoT, cyber-physical systems in construction; Spacecraft Platform for Astronautics & Celestial Emulation (SPACE) laboratory - Space operations sensing, guidance, dynamics, and control
Career Outcomes:
Admissions: GPA: 3.00
#9. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,258/year | Graduation Rate: 76% | Score: 74.6
What makes Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus stand out: The program offers the ability to customize studies with curriculum threads, with students selecting two threads from computer engineering foundation, computer science, or electrical engineering areas, with at least one being from the computer engineering foundation threads.
Program Overview: The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree program covers a broad set of areas, ranging from design of microprocessors to cloud computing and everything in between. Students learn about hardware, software, and computing principles in the context of important devices and systems such as smartphones, the Internet of Things, streaming systems, and large-scale computing and storage systems for the cloud.
Degree Programs: BS
Industry Partners: Apple
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#10. University of California-Davis
Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 74.5
What makes University of California-Davis stand out: UC Davis computer engineering provides fundamental skills for long-term employability in a rapidly changing field while offering hands-on work with cutting-edge technologies in electronics, digital systems, and circuits fabrication.
Hakia Insight: Near Silicon Valley for innovation trends
Program Overview: Computer engineering involves the design and development of systems based on computers and complex digital logic devices. Computer engineers focus on how computer systems work and also how they integrate with other systems, such as those in healthcare, transportation, communications and beyond.
Degree Programs: BS; MS
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Intel, HP, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Oracle, Microsoft, Apple | Common Roles: Computer Design Engineer, Software Engineer/Test Engineer, Verification Engineer, Quality Assurance Engineer, Digital Design Engineer, Mixed-Signal Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET
Best Computer Engineering Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| 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 |
Best Value Computer Engineering Programs 2026
| Rank | School | Location | Type | In-State Tuition | Grad Rate | Starting Salary | 10-Year ROI | Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | — | — |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | — | — |
| 3 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus, OH | Public | $11,826 | 90% | — | — | — |
| 4 | University of California-Merced | Merced, CA | Public | $11,834 | 95% | — | — | — |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | — | — |
| 6 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | — | — |
| 7 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | — | — | — |
| 8 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | Public | $5,742 | 83% | — | — | — |
| 9 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | — | — | — |
| 10 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | — | — |
| 11 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | — | — |
| 12 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | — | — |
| 13 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | — | — |
| 14 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | — | — |
| 16 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | — | — |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | — | — | — |
| 18 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | Public | $18,823 | 96% | — | — | — |
| 19 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | — | — | — |
| 20 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | — | — |
| 21 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | — | — |
| 22 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | — | — |
| 23 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | — | — |
| 24 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | Public | $5,742 | 87% | — | — | — |
| 25 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Understanding Value Score
Our Value Score methodology evaluates Computer Engineering programs by calculating quality per dollar spent. Unlike pure cost rankings, Value Score rewards programs that deliver strong outcomes at reasonable prices—helping you find the best investment for your education.
Value Score Formula:
`Value Score = Quality Score ÷ (Annual Tuition / $10,000)`
Quality Score Components:
- Graduation Rate (35%) — 6-year completion rate from IPEDS
- Program Strength (25%) — Based on annual graduates and program maturity
- Selectivity (20%) — Admission rate indicating competitive student body
- Research Activity (20%) — Carnegie classification for research opportunities
This formula means a program with a Quality Score of 80 at $10,000/year tuition scores higher than a program with Quality Score 90 at $50,000/year—because the outcomes don't justify 5x the cost.
ROI Analysis: Break-Even Time
Return on Investment (ROI) analysis helps determine how long it takes for your Computer Engineering degree to "pay for itself." According to Georgetown CEW, computer science degrees have among the highest lifetime ROI of any major—averaging $1.5 million in additional lifetime earnings.
Break-Even Calculation:
`Break-Even Time = Total Degree Cost ÷ (Post-Degree Salary - Pre-Degree Salary)`
Example Scenarios:
- Public university ($50K total) — With $80K starting salary vs $40K HS grad salary: 1.25 years to break even
- Private university ($200K total) — Same salaries: 5 years to break even
- Community college + transfer ($30K total) — 9 months to break even
Key Insight: For Computer Engineering degrees, the break-even point is typically 1-5 years post-graduation. After that, every year represents pure return on your educational investment.
Quality Metrics Explained
Quality metrics help distinguish excellent Computer Engineering programs from mediocre ones. We use objective, verifiable indicators rather than subjective reputation surveys.
Academic Quality Indicators:
- ABET Accreditation — Industry-recognized quality standard; required by some employers
- Faculty Research — H-index scores, grant funding, and publication rates
- Student-Faculty Ratio — Lower is better; enables mentorship and undergraduate research
- PhD Production — Programs that produce PhD students have stronger research cultures
Career Outcome Indicators:
- Employer Recruiting — Number of tech companies actively hiring from campus
- Internship Placement — % of juniors completing paid internships
- Graduate School Placement — % admitted to top-20 graduate programs
- Alumni Network — Strength and engagement of professional network
Value vs Prestige Analysis
Is a prestigious (expensive) program worth the premium? For Computer Engineering, skills demonstrated through projects and interviews typically matter more than school brand.
When Prestige Matters: Elite employer preferences, PhD/academic careers, strong alumni network value.
When Value Wins: Most tech employers care about skills, regional employers prefer local universities, debt burden impacts life choices.
Who Recruits from Value Programs?
Top employers actively recruit from high-value Computer Engineering programs. Understanding which companies recruit where helps you target schools with strong career pipelines.
Major Tech Employers and Feeder Schools:
- Google — Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, CMU, University of Washington
- Amazon — University of Washington, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, Purdue
- Microsoft — University of Washington, CMU, Stanford, UC Berkeley
- Meta — Stanford, CMU, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan
- Apple — Stanford, UC Berkeley, San Jose State, Santa Clara University
Value School Recruiting: Many high-value public universities have identical employer access to elite privates. Georgia Tech, UIUC, UT Austin, and UMich attract the same top recruiters at a fraction of the tuition.
Career Paths
Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and develop computer systems, processors, and electronic components
Embedded Systems Engineer
SOC 15-1132Develop software and hardware for specialized computing devices
Systems Integration Specialist
SOC 15-1199Ensure hardware and software components work together effectively
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence systems and machine learning algorithms
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications and systems
Best Value Computer Engineering Programs by State
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in California | 15 | $14,436 | UC San Diego |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in Texas | 12 | $12,529 | UT Austin |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in Georgia | 4 | $12,682 | Georgia Tech |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in Illinois | 8 | $17,572 | UIUC |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in Virginia | 6 | $14,068 | Virginia Tech |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina | 7 | $9,101 | NC State |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in Michigan | 5 | $16,178 | University of Michigan |
| Best Value Computer Engineering Programs in Washington | 3 | $12,092 | University of Washington |
Choose Your Program Type Based On:
- You want maximum value with in-state tuition
- Research opportunities are important to your goals
- You prefer comprehensive campus resources
- You want strong alumni networks in major companies
- You prefer smaller class sizes with public pricing
- Regional industry connections meet your career goals
- You value close faculty mentorship
- You want active campus life with affordable costs
- You can afford premium tuition costs
- Specialized curriculum matches your interests
- You want extensive industry partnerships
- Small class sizes and personalized attention are priorities
- You need scheduling flexibility for work commitments
- You live far from quality in-person programs
- You have strong self-directed learning skills
- Cost reduction is your primary concern
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Engineering Program Value
Based on 125 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Ranking Factors
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
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.