Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Kansas 2025
Wichita State University
276 computer engineering graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Southwestern College
20 computer engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
University of Kansas
38 computer engineering graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Kansas offers 9+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Wichita State University leads with 87% graduation rate
- 3.Kansas software developers earn median $92,340 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park
- 5.Cost of living index: 86.8% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Kansas: Overview
Kansas offers 9 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 415 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park, with major employers including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
With a median software developer salary of $92,340 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 86.8% compared to the US average, Kansas offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Wichita State University, Southwestern College, University of Kansas, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kansas Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | Public | $7,247 | 87% | 74 |
| 2 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | Private | $38,330 | 96% | 53.2 |
| 3 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | Public | $10,596 | 79% | 47.8 |
| 4 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | Public | $9,964 | — | 46.6 |
| 5 | Benedictine College | Atchison, KS | Private | $34,000 | 70% | 40.9 |
| 6 | Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | For-Profit | $13,137 | — | 37.3 |
| 7 | Butler Community College | El Dorado, KS | Public | $3,090 | — | 30.3 |
| 8 | Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | Private | $33,200 | — | 29.7 |
| 9 | Barton County Community College | Great Bend, KS | Public | $2,432 | — | 27.6 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Kansas: Side-by-Side
| School | Wichita State | Southwestern College | U of Kansas | Kansas State | Benedictine College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,247 | $38,330 | $10,596 | $9,964 | $34,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 87% | 96% | 79% | N/A% | 70% |
| Annual Graduates | 276 | 20 | 38 | 51 | 8 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95% | 65% | 88% | 79% | 76% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 74.0/100 | 53.2/100 | 47.8/100 | 46.6/100 | 40.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Kansas
Kansas offers 6 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Wichita State University, Southwestern College, Kansas State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $64,638 in the Kansas market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Wichita State | $7,247 | 87% | 82 | 70.5 |
| #2 Southwestern College | $38,330 | 96% | 20 | 53.2 |
| #3 Kansas State | $9,964 | N/A% | 51 | 46.6 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Kansas
For graduate study, Kansas offers 3 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Wichita State University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kansas reaching $120,042 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Kansas.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Wichita State | $7,247 | 87% | 276 | 74.0 |
| #2 U of Kansas | $10,596 | 79% | 6 | 40.0 |
| #3 Kansas State | $9,964 | N/A% | 5 | 34.1 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Kansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Kansas are at Barton County Community College ($2,432/year), Butler Community College ($3,090/year), Wichita State University ($7,247/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kansas's competitive tech salaries.
At Barton County Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $9,728 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,638, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Kansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Barton County Community... | $2,432 | $9,728 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Butler Community College | $3,090 | $12,360 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Wichita State | $7,247 | $28,988 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Kansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Kansas, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,247 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 276 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 95%
- • Ranking Score: 74.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 276 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (276 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Wichita State's computer engineering program integrates principles from both electrical engineering and computer science with guaranteed applied learning experiences built into every degree. The program emphasizes practical applications through hands-on projects like GoBabyGo! and features a two-semester capstone project providing real-world engineering experience.
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,330 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 53.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 20 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 53.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,596 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 38 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 47.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 38 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Engineering program is ABET accredited and offers specialization opportunities in areas like computer architectures, VLSI circuits, embedded systems, and networking. Graduates are prepared for careers across computer industry, telecommunications, government, and consulting sectors.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 125 (Calculus I)
- •college algebra or more advanced mathematics course
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: computer industry, telecommunications, government and defense, software companies, consulting firms
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,964 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 46.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 51 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
K-State's Computer Engineering program offers hands-on, laboratory-based curriculum with access to research opportunities in IoT applications, cyber-physical systems, and computer networks. Students have access to a department makerspace and can participate in robotics competitions while studying at a public research university with 90-plus research centers.
Available Scholarships
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $34,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 40.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 8 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 40.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Benedictine College's Mechanical Engineering program provides a multidisciplinary engineering education built on an authentically Catholic liberal arts foundation, preparing graduates to be excellent problem solvers committed to the highest ethical standards. The program emphasizes understanding engineering as a profession and the duty of engineers to promote the good of society.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus I
- •Calculus II
- •Calculus III
- •General Chemistry I
- •Classical Physics I
- •Classical Physics II
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 108 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- ABET accreditation
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park
- You're seeking lower cost of living (86.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Garmin or Sprint
- You prefer Kansas's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kansas's 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in Kansas FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Kansas-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Kansas salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.