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Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,754 to $58,032/year
Community College of Aurora offers the most affordable option at $3,754/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 1 associate's, 7 master's, 4 doctoral in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online computer engineering degree programs in Colorado
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Colorado community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity
Tech hubs in Denver and Boulder
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Computer Engineering programs
We rank 24 accredited computer engineering programs in Colorado using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Colorado Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Community College of Aurora, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Colorado offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,754/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $66,792 in Colorado.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Colorado's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer engineering schools in Colorado, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in Colorado.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 12 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 9 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Colorado computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $103,224, 5% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,560 to $58,032 annually, with an average of $17,979/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 95%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Colorado's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $9,135 | 32% | 56.4 |
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 7 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Colorado earn a median salary of $121,440, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $18,652/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Colorado's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado is home to 4 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University... are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Colorado PhD holders earning a median of $151,800, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Colorado programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer engineering degrees in Colorado, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $16,793/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $41,983/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,198/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $100,760 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $25,190 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Colorado
State Aid Programs
Colorado's College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a stipend of $116 per credit hour toward in-state tuition at participating public institutions (CDHE Financial Aid). For full-time students (15 credits/semester), COF contributes $3,480/year toward tuition costs. Engineering students at CU Boulder and other public universities automatically receive COF when properly authorized. The lifetime maximum is 145 credit hours, sufficient for bachelor's and some master's coursework. Combined with need-based grants, COF significantly reduces the cost of computer engineering education.
Key Programs & Amounts
Additional Colorado state aid programs include: the Colorado Student Grant (need-based, amounts vary by institution), Colorado Graduate Grant (up to $5,000 for graduate students), and the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) matching program that partners with local scholarship organizations. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395/year for students with demonstrated need. Engineering programs may offer departmental scholarships. CU Boulder's College of Engineering provides merit-based awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000/year for incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Institutional Scholarships
Defense contractor scholarships target Colorado engineering students.
Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Ball Aerospace fund scholarships at partner universities, often with internship components. SMART (Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation) scholarships from the Department of Defense provide full tuition plus stipend for students willing to work for DoD agencies after graduation, particularly valuable for computer engineering students seeking security clearances. FAFSA deadline for Colorado state aid is March 1 for priority consideration. Engineering scholarships often have earlier deadlines, apply by December 1 for best consideration.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in Colorado. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+854%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,580,373
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$122,727
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Colorado metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Denver | $134K |
| Boulder | $128K |
| Colorado Springs | $121K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Colorado
Find computer engineering jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Denver/Boulder
CODenver/Boulder is a growing tech hub with aerospace heritage, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Boulder, Westminster, Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton
Transfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Colorado
State Transfer System
Colorado's Associate of Engineering Science (AES) degree provides a guaranteed transfer pathway to four-year engineering programs including CU Boulder, CSU, and University of Denver (CCCS Transfer). Students completing the AES with required GPA thresholds receive guaranteed admission to participating engineering schools. This pathway includes calculus through differential equations, calculus-based physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses, all transferring as equivalent credit toward bachelor's degrees.
How Transfers Work
Important considerations for engineering transfers: Colorado School of Mines is not part of the gtPathways agreement, prospective Mines students should contact the school directly about transfer credit evaluation. For CU Boulder engineering, students need minimum 3.5 GPA for competitive transfer admission, with 3.7+ preferred for computer and electrical engineering. Complete all math and science prerequisites at community college (substantial cost savings), but plan to complete upper-division engineering courses at the university. Front Range, Arapahoe, and Community College of Denver all offer AES degrees with strong transfer outcomes.
Transfer Planning Tips
Cost savings through transfer pathways are substantial.
Community college tuition averages $3,800/year compared to $13,000-$14,000 at CU Boulder (in-state). Completing two years at community college saves $18,000-$20,000 while maintaining clear pathways to ABET-accredited engineering programs. The College Opportunity Fund provides an additional $116/credit hour stipend at community colleges, further reducing costs. Students should work with academic advisors at both institutions to ensure all courses transfer appropriately, engineering prerequisites are particularly sequence-dependent.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Colorado's aerospace and defense industry creates exceptional demand for computer engineers, with Lockheed Martin employing 14,000+ workers across Denver, Boulder, Littleton, and Colorado Springs (Lockheed Martin Colorado). The state's concentration in satellite systems, missile defense, GPS technology, and space exploration requires engineers who can bridge hardware and software domains. Ball Aerospace in Boulder develops scientific instruments and spacecraft, while Sierra Space is building the Dream Chaser spacecraft with Colorado engineering teams. This aerospace ecosystem makes Colorado one of the premier destinations for computer engineering careers in the nation.
Salary Outlook
Computer engineers in Colorado earn competitive salaries reflecting specialized demand.
The BLS reports Colorado electrical and computer hardware engineers earn a median of $127,890 annually, while software developers (often working alongside hardware teams) earn $130,000 median in the Denver-Boulder metro (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level embedded systems engineers start around $85,000-$95,000, with senior roles at Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace commanding $150,000-$180,000 plus clearance bonuses. Colorado's 4.4% flat income tax maximizes take-home pay compared to progressive-tax states.
Regional Tech Hubs
CU Boulder and Colorado School of Mines lead computer engineering education in the state.
CU Boulder's Electrical and Computer Engineering program is ABET-accredited and ranked among top 30 nationally, with research facilities in robotics, embedded systems, and signal processing (CU Boulder Engineering). Colorado School of Mines offers rigorous computer engineering with connections to energy sector computing and systems engineering. The state's proximity to federal labs (NIST Boulder, NCAR, NOAA) provides unique research opportunities in instrumentation and environmental monitoring systems. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national rankings.
Computer Engineering Job Growth in Colorado
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
Colorado's computer engineering job market is anchored by aerospace and defense.
The Denver-Boulder metro ranked #8 among top North American tech markets in CBRE's 2025 Scoring Tech Talent report, with particular strength in hardware-software integration roles (CBRE Tech Talent 2025). Lockheed Martin alone lists 796+ job openings across Colorado facilities, many requiring computer engineering skills for satellite systems, cybersecurity hardware, and embedded flight systems. The U.S. Space Force presence in Colorado Springs and continued commercial space investment ensure sustained demand for engineers who can design mission-critical computing systems.
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary variations reflect industry specialization:
- Denver: $125,000-$145,000 median for computer engineers, with systems design roles at Ball Corporation in Broomfield paying $96,000-$137,000 base plus incentives (Ball Corporation Careers)
- Boulder: $130,000-$150,000 for hardware-software engineers, with startups like Atom Computing (quantum systems) and ColdQuanta offering equity compensation
- Colorado Springs: $110,000-$130,000 median, but clearance-required positions at Northrop Grumman and Raytheon offer $129,000-$213,000 for senior roles
- Fort Collins/Loveland: Growing semiconductor presence with HP, Broadcom, and AMD operations requiring chip-level expertise
High-Growth Sectors
Emerging sectors driving computer engineering demand include: renewable energy systems (NREL in Golden employs engineers for smart grid and energy storage computing), autonomous vehicle development (several Colorado startups), quantum computing (Boulder hosts leading quantum companies), and medical device manufacturing (Colorado has a growing medtech sector). Defense contractors continue aggressive hiring for cleared positions, students who begin clearance processing during internships have significant advantages. For related career paths, explore electrical engineering programs, embedded systems careers, or cybersecurity degrees.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
3 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $6,300
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Colorado?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Colorado?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Colorado?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Colorado?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Colorado?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Colorado?
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What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Colorado?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Colorado salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 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.