🥇
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KSPublic
K-State Regenerative Agriculture Overview with Dr. Chuck Rice$10,243
Tuition/yr
71%
Grad rate
73.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: Wichita State, Southwestern College, Kansas State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,432 to $38,330/year
Butler Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,090/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 3 associate's, 3 master's, 2 doctoral in Kansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online computer engineering degree programs in Kansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries
Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Computer Engineering programs
We rank 14 accredited computer engineering programs in Kansas 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Answer
$92,340
Yes. The best computer engineering degree programs in Kansas deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $92,340 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $16,888/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Kansas
3
Programs ranked
$9,580
Avg tuition/yr
64%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Wichita State, Southwestern College, Kansas State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $78,489, 20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,247 to $38,330 annually, with an average of $22,223/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, with the highest reaching 96%. 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 Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥈
$10,968
Tuition/yr
69%
Grad rate
70.2
Hakia Score
🥉
$7,529
Tuition/yr
51%
Grad rate
61.6
Hakia Score
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Kansas
1
Programs ranked
$10,968
Avg tuition/yr
69%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 3 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Wichita State, U of Kansas, Kansas State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Garmin, Sprint, Cerner 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 $9,269/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 Kansas's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$10,968
Tuition/yr
69%
Grad rate
65.7
Hakia Score
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $16,888/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $42,220/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,222/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $101,328 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $25,332 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing computer engineering degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. At the federal level, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through (Federal Student Aid). Beyond federal programs, Kansas offers the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based aid program specifically designed for students attending Kansas independent institutions. This state-level support complements federal aid and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible students. More information on Kansas state financial aid is available through the (Kansas Board of Regents).
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions in Kansas also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to computer engineering students. For example, Wichita State University, the state's leading producer of computer engineering graduates, provides institutional aid packages alongside federal and state grants. Students should explore scholarship opportunities directly with their chosen institution and review financial aid pages on college websites. The (College Scorecard) tool allows students to compare net price and financial aid packages across Kansas schools. Additionally, prospective students should investigate transfer agreements through the (Kansas Transfer Equivalency System), which can reduce time-to-degree and associated costs for community college transfers entering four-year programs.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in Kansas. 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
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$133,333
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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 Kansas metro areas
Kansas City$102K
Wichita$97K
Overland Park$92K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102K |
| Wichita | $97K |
| Overland Park | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Kansas
Find computer engineering jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Overland Park
KSSprint/T-Mobile
telecom
Garmin
tech
Netsmart
healthtech
Black & Veatch
engineering
Computer Engineering Jobs in Wichita
KSSpirit AeroSystems
aerospace
Textron Aviation
aerospace
NetApp
tech
Transfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas provides structured transfer pathways for students pursuing computer engineering through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, a statewide framework that facilitates course transfer and credit recognition among public institutions. According to the Kansas Board of Regents, the system includes comprehensive articulation agreements ensuring that credits earned at two-year institutions transfer seamlessly to four-year bachelor's degree programs. With 28 two-year institutions and 34 four-year institutions throughout Kansas, students have numerous entry points and transfer options. Community colleges such as Butler Community College (which awarded 15 computer engineering completions in 2023) and Barton County Community College offer associate's degrees in computer engineering designed specifically to prepare students for upper-level coursework at universities like Wichita State University and Kansas State University.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from pre-established course equivalencies and reduced admission requirements when moving from Kansas two-year to four-year institutions. Many four-year universities offer dedicated transfer advising to ensure that associate's degree holders complete prerequisites and maintain progress toward bachelor's degree completion. The transfer system is particularly valuable for students managing costs, as community college tuition averages significantly below four-year institution rates, allowing students to complete general education and foundational engineering courses affordably before transfer. Students should consult the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System website for program-specific articulation agreements and work with institutional advisors at both sending and receiving institutions. Additionally, exploring related technical programs in Information Technology or Network Administration may provide complementary credentials for computer engineering careers.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong computer engineering education landscape with 18 institutions delivering programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral studies (IPEDS). In the 2023 academic year, Kansas computer engineering programs awarded 198 bachelor's degrees, 287 master's degrees, and 20 associate's degrees, demonstrating strong pipeline development at multiple credential levels. The state's four-year public institutions maintain an average in-state tuition of just $7,625, making Kansas one of the most affordable regions for engineering education compared to national averages.
Salary Outlook
Wichita and the Kansas City metropolitan area are significant tech hubs, home to major employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation that actively recruit computer engineering graduates. Top-ranked programs such as University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Kansas State University provide pathways to high-demand roles in aerospace, manufacturing, and software development. For students exploring related fields, Kansas also offers strong programs in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Information Technology, allowing flexibility in engineering specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas's technology sector continues to expand, creating sustained employment opportunities for graduates.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in Kansas
9 Programs
Kansas offers 9 accredited computer engineering programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas offers a strong job market for computer engineering graduates, with strong demand across multiple metropolitan regions. The state's major employment hubs include the Kansas City Metro, Wichita, and Topeka areas, each supporting diverse technology sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas maintains competitive salary standards and steady growth projections for engineering professionals. The state's 18 institutions offering computer engineering programs reflect strong regional demand, with 198 bachelor's degree completions annually demonstrating the pipeline of qualified graduates entering the workforce.
Salaries by Metro
Wichita State University leads the state in computer engineering production with 357 total completions across all degree levels, positioning graduates strategically for employment in South Central Kansas's aerospace and defense sectors. Kansas State University and University of Kansas follow with 63 and 50 completions respectively, each maintaining strong connections to regional employers. The diversity of degree pathways, from associate's programs at community colleges to doctoral programs at research institutions, ensures that graduates at all educational levels can enter the market. Students can explore career pathways through resources like College Scorecard to compare outcomes across Kansas institutions and make informed decisions about their educational investment.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Kansas$60,021$133,893
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
2 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$15,199/yr$16,888/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Nebraska
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Missouri
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Kansas?
The best computer engineering degree programs in Kansas based on our methodology are: 1) Wichita State University (87% graduation rate), 2) Southwestern College, and 3) Kansas State University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Kansas offers 9 total accredited programs across 5 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 6 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Kansas?
Computer Engineering degree program costs in Kansas vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $16,888/year, while private institutions average $37,154/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $4,222/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $67,552 at public schools to $148,614 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Computer Engineering professionals in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,021, while senior roles exceed $133,893. Salaries vary by metro area: Kansas City ($101,574), Wichita ($96,957) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers 2 accredited online Computer Engineering programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Rasmussen University-Kansas and Baker University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Kansas?
Major Computer Engineering employers in Kansas include Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries, Spirit AeroSystems. The Kansas City and Wichita metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Kansas universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Kansas's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Kansas?
A computer engineering degree program in Kansas offers strong ROI with a $92,340 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $16,888/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($104,344), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Kansas?
Standard completion times for computer engineering degree programs in Kansas are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Kansas community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Kansas university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Kansas?
Kansas computer engineering degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Kansas state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Kansas's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kansas salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
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.