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Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: Mississippi State, Jackson State, Mississippi College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,100 to $28,800/year
Itawamba Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,100/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 5 associate's, 2 master's, 2 doctoral in Mississippi
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Mississippi community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Jackson and Gulfport
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 43+ cities across Mississippi
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Mississippi Computer Engineering programs
We rank 17 accredited computer engineering programs in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Mississippi
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Mississippi by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Itawamba Community College, Northwest Mississippi Com..., Copiah-Lincoln Community ..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Mississippi offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,742/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 $45,348 in Mississippi.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Mississippi's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like C Spire, Raytheon, 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 Mississippi, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in Mississippi.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Mississippi State, Jackson State, Mississippi College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Mississippi computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $70,083, 29% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,520 to $28,800 annually, with an average of $13,454/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 Mississippi's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in Mississippi, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Mississippi State University
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Mississippi
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,090/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,225/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,523/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $60,540 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,134 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Mississippi
State Aid Programs
Mississippi residents pursuing computer engineering degrees have access to several financial aid opportunities designed to make higher education more affordable. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant is a merit-based award program specifically for high-achieving Mississippi residents, providing significant support to qualified students at participating institutions (Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant). Beyond state-specific aid, all students can access federal financial assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs (Federal Student Aid). The combination of state and federal aid makes computer engineering education in Mississippi increasingly accessible.
Key Programs & Amounts
In addition to merit-based aid, many Mississippi institutions offering computer engineering programs provide institutional scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to engineering students. Public four-year universities in the state maintain an average in-state tuition of $8,642, making them competitive alternatives to out-of-state programs (IPEDS). Students should also explore the College Scorecard tool to compare aid packages and net price across institutions (College Scorecard). For comprehensive financial planning, prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid offices at their chosen institution to discuss grants, scholarships, and loan options specific to computer engineering programs.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Mississippi
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in Mississippi. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$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
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 Mississippi metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $91K |
| Gulfport | $87K |
| Hattiesburg | $82K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Mississippi
Find computer engineering jobs in Mississippi. These major employers across Mississippi metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Jackson
MSComputer Engineering Jobs in Gulfport
MSTransfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Mississippi
State Transfer System
Mississippi supports seamless transfer from its 17 two-year community colleges to four-year universities through the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool (Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool), a statewide system designed to ensure course credits transfer without duplication (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning). This system enables students to complete their first two years at affordable community colleges, with tuition as low as $2,700 annually, before transferring to bachelor's programs at institutions like Mississippi State University (#1 ranked, $9,665 tuition), Jackson State University (#2 ranked, $8,520 tuition), or University of Mississippi ($9,252 tuition). Community colleges like Itawamba Community College (#1 associate's program), Holmes Community College (#2, $2,700 tuition), and Northwest Mississippi Community College (#3) provide solid foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and computer science that align directly with bachelor's program prerequisites.
How Transfers Work
Transfer articulation agreements guarantee that credits earned in computer engineering associate's programs transfer as equivalent coursework to bachelor's programs, eliminating lost credits and reducing overall education costs. Students completing 41 associate's degrees annually in Mississippi gain a significant financial advantage, saving approximately $5,000–$10,000 in tuition compared to starting at four-year institutions. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant provides additional merit-based aid for high-achieving Mississippi residents (Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant), further reducing financial barriers. Prospective students should work with community college advisors to map courses aligned with their target bachelor's program using official articulation documents. For broader educational pathways, explore Computer Science in Mississippi, Software Engineering in Mississippi, and Information Technology in Mississippi to identify complementary transfer options.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Mississippi?
Industry & Workforce
Mississippi offers a strong computer engineering education landscape with 17 institutions delivering programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, the state produced 212 bachelor's degree completions, 41 associate's degrees, and 21 graduate degrees (master's and doctoral combined), demonstrating strong program capacity and student throughput. Mississippi State University leads the state with 136 completions, establishing itself as the dominant force in computer engineering education. This substantial output positions Mississippi as a meaningful hub for technical talent development in the Southeast.
Salary Outlook
The state's affordability stands out as a major advantage. Average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions is just $8,642, significantly lower than national averages, while community colleges offer pathways for as little as $2,700 annually (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs like Mississippi State University (#1 bachelor's) and Jackson State University (#2 with a 99.7% graduation rate) combine quality education with accessible pricing. Major employers including the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Walmart, Sanderson Farms, and Nissan create strong career opportunities across Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Hattiesburg. Explore related programs like Computer Science in Mississippi and Software Engineering in Mississippi to expand your options. For broader comparison, review national best programs and most affordable national options.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in Mississippi
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Mississippi
Employment Outlook
Mississippi's computer engineering job market is supported by a strong higher education pipeline, with 17 institutions offering computer engineering programs at various levels (IPEDS). In 2023, the state produced 212 bachelor's degree completions, 41 associate's degree completions, 9 master's degrees, and 12 doctoral degrees in the field (IPEDS). This output reflects steady demand from employers across the state's major metropolitan areas, including Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg. The availability of both four-year and two-year pathways, with 19 four-year institutions and 17 two-year institutions statewide, enables flexible career entry and advancement options for aspiring computer engineers (IPEDS).
Salaries by Metro
For current salary and employment trends specific to Mississippi, prospective students and job seekers should consult the (Bureau of Labor Statistics state data), which provides real-time occupational employment and wage information. The state's public universities offer competitive tuition rates, with average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions at $8,642 and out-of-state tuition at $13,183, making Mississippi an accessible option for computer engineering education. Students considering related fields may also explore Computer Science in Mississippi or Software Engineering in Mississippi programs to compare career pathways and earning potential across the technology sector.
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 Mississippi
Online Programs
0 available in Mississippi
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,400
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Mississippi?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Mississippi?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Mississippi?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Mississippi?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Mississippi?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Mississippi?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Mississippi?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Mississippi?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Mississippi 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.