Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of Louisville
107 computer engineering graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Campbellsville University
128 computer engineering graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
University of Kentucky
100 computer engineering graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 8+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Louisville leads with 91% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 8 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 419 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by University of Louisville, Campbellsville University, University of Kentucky, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | Public | $12,632 | 91% | 74.5 |
| 2 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 71.4 |
| 3 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 66.9 |
| 4 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 49.5 |
| 5 | Centre College | Danville, KY | Private | $50,250 | — | 44.9 |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 44.7 |
| 7 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY | Private | $45,190 | — | 38.6 |
| 8 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 30.2 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Louisville | Campbellsville | U of Kentucky | Murray State | Centre College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,632 | $26,490 | $11,849 | $8,436 | $50,250 |
| Graduation Rate | 91% | 80% | 75% | 87% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 107 | 128 | 100 | 16 | 12 |
| Acceptance Rate | 81% | 98% | 92% | 86% | 54% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 74.5/100 | 71.4/100 | 66.9/100 | 49.5/100 | 44.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 7 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Murray State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Louisville | $12,632 | 91% | 107 | 74.5 |
| #2 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 100 | 66.9 |
| #3 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 16 | 49.5 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 4 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Campbellsville University, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Campbellsville | $26,490 | 80% | 128 | 71.4 |
| #2 U of Louisville | $12,632 | 91% | 65 | 67.1 |
| #3 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 3 | 38.2 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year), Western Kentucky University ($11,436/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Murray State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,744 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | $33,744 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
| #3 Western Kentucky | $11,436 | $45,744 | 1.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,632 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 107 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 74.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 107 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (107 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program holds dual ABET accreditation from both the Engineering and Computing Accreditation Commissions, qualifying graduates to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and pursue Professional Engineer licensure.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 123
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,490 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 128 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 128 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (128 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 100 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 66.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 100 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (100 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program combines hands-on experience with in-depth coursework covering embedded systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer architecture at Kentucky's flagship research institution. Students learn from expert faculty engaged in cutting-edge innovations and complete a senior capstone design project collaborating on real-world engineering challenges.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus
- •General University Physics
- •General College Chemistry I
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 49.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 16 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Murray State's engineering physics program with electrical engineering track is ABET accredited and offers hands-on experience with wireless communication, remote sensing, and robotics systems. The program provides flexible specialization tracks in data science and game development with strong industry connections across aerospace, defense, and emerging fields like bioinformatics.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Manufacturers of Defense systems, Control systems, Operating systems, Remote sensing software, Aerospace applications, Robotics, Game programming
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Centre College
Danville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 44.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Centre College's Engineering Program combines strong technical foundations in physics, mathematics, and design with liberal arts perspective to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and understanding of how engineering affects environments, communities, and people. The program offers hands-on experience with modern tools like Autodesk and MATLAB, plus opportunities for mentored research and internships at top companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin.
Available Scholarships
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Bloomberg, Morris-Shea Bridge Company, Intertek PSI Engineering, Ventera, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, University of Kentucky Department of Biomedical Engineering, OnPoint Warranty Solutions, Norton Healthcare, Asurion, Hitachi Automotive, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Top 40 Most Innovative School Ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kentucky 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 Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 8 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)
Kentucky-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 - Kentucky 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.