Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Missouri 2025
Washington University in St Louis
228 computer engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Missouri-Kansas City
648 computer engineering graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
1170 computer engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 21+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Washington University in St Louis leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 21 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 2,891 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Central Missouri, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 21 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)
Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Missouri Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 75.1 |
| 2 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 73.3 |
| 3 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 71.4 |
| 4 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | 92% | 50.9 |
| 5 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 50.3 |
| 6 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | Public | $13,008 | 80% | 48.8 |
| 7 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | Private | $21,300 | 93% | 47.9 |
| 8 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 46.6 |
| 9 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, MO | Public | $13,008 | — | 46.5 |
| 10 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 45.2 |
| 11 | Missouri Western State University | Saint Joseph, MO | Public | $7,740 | — | 41.2 |
| 12 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 40.7 |
| 13 | Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $30,530 | — | 40.3 |
| 14 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 39.1 |
| 15 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 38 |
| 16 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 37.7 |
| 17 | Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | Public | $9,132 | — | 36.6 |
| 18 | Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | Private | $41,900 | — | 34.7 |
| 19 | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Fayette, MO | Private | $26,360 | — | 32.4 |
| 20 | Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, MO | Private | $27,290 | — | 31.5 |
| 21 | Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Fayette, MO | Private | $6,480 | 6% | 21.4 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | WashU | U of Missouri-Kansas City | U of Central Missouri | Saint Louis | Northwest Missouri State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,750 | $11,190 | $8,325 | $52,260 | $6,442 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 98% | N/A% | 92% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 228 | 648 | 1170 | 51 | 320 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 75% | 69% | 81% | 86% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 75.1/100 | 73.3/100 | 71.4/100 | 50.9/100 | 50.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Missouri
Missouri offers 20 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri University of Science and Technology. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri 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 Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 228 | 75.1 |
| #2 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 87 | 68.7 |
| #3 Missouri University of... | $13,008 | N/A% | 141 | 46.5 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 9 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Central Missouri. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 201 | 74.1 |
| #2 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 648 | 73.3 |
| #3 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 1170 | 71.4 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies ($6,480/year), Missouri Western State University ($7,740/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Central Methodist... | $6,480 | $25,920 | 0.7 years | Private |
| #3 Missouri Western State | $7,740 | $30,960 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Missouri, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 228 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 75.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 228 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (228 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 648 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 73.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 648 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (648 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (75% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 1,170 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,170 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,170 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCM offers the first and only ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program in Missouri, featuring one of the largest computer science programs in the state with state-of-the-art facilities and nearly 200 PCs with the latest software. Students benefit from faculty where nearly all full-time professors have PhDs and extensive research opportunities across multiple engineering domains.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $52,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 50.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 51 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
SLU's computer engineering program offers a unique, hands-on approach incorporating analysis, design and development of computer systems with both hardware and software components. Students gain practical experience designing embedded systems for robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, smart cars, and avionics through access to sophisticated computer-aided design laboratories.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Amazon, AT&T, Boeing, Citibank, Department of Defense, Emerson Electric, Express Scripts, Garmin, General Motors, Intel, Rockwell, Samsung, SpaceX, Texas Instruments, U.S. Air Force
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,442 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 320 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 50.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 320 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (320 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Northwest Missouri State offers a cooperative engineering program with Missouri S&T, combining the best engineering education in the state with small class sizes and a supportive Missouri State community. Students can earn their degree from Missouri S&T while enjoying personalized attention and state-of-the-art facilities, preparing them for well-paid careers with strong industry connections.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Data Structures
- •Database Systems
- •Discrete Mathematics
- •Statistics
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $70,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
- You prefer Missouri's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 21)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
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Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer Engineering in Missouri FAQ
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 - Missouri salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
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