Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in New Jersey 2026
Princeton University
237 computer engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Stevens Institute of Technology
298 computer engineering graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
289 computer engineering graduates annually, 82% graduation rate
- 1.Computer Hardware Engineers earn a median salary of $128,170 with 5% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OEWS 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Engineering programs include Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers Computer Engineering education at $13,674/year with 82% graduation rate
- 4.15 accredited Computer Engineering programs analyzed in New Jersey using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Computer Engineering Education in New Jersey: Overview
New Jersey offers 15 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 1,218 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton, with major employers including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck.
With a median software developer salary of $122,800 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 114.5% compared to the US average, New Jersey offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
New Jersey Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | 95.8 |
| 2 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | 85.9 |
| 3 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 82% | 82.7 |
| 4 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 67.2 |
| 5 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | 66 |
| 6 | The College of New Jersey | Ewing, NJ | Public | $14,706 | 100% | 60.5 |
| 7 | Drew University | Madison, NJ | Private | $44,260 | 92% | 54.5 |
| 8 | Stockton University | Galloway, NJ | Public | $12,996 | โ | 45.2 |
| 9 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ | Private | $35,180 | 88% | 45 |
| 10 | Caldwell University | Caldwell, NJ | Private | $37,352 | โ | 43.7 |
| 11 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | Private | $37,700 | โ | 42.4 |
| 12 | Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | Private | $30,680 | โ | 41.3 |
| 13 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | Private | $36,526 | โ | 39.4 |
| 14 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | Madison, NJ | Private | $37,346 | โ | 38.7 |
| 15 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ | Private | $44,098 | โ | 36.3 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | Princeton | Stevens Institute of... | Rutgers | Rowan | New Jersey Institute of... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $59,710 | $58,680 | $13,674 | $11,250 | $15,616 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 74% | 82% | 97% | 66% |
| Annual Graduates | 237 | 298 | 289 | 84 | 129 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 43% | 65% | 78% | 67% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 95.8/100 | 85.9/100 | 82.7/100 | 67.2/100 | 66.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 13 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey 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 New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 237 | 95.8 |
| #2 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 298 | 85.9 |
| #3 Rutgers | $13,674 | 82% | 289 | 82.7 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey
For graduate study, New Jersey offers 9 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rowan University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in New Jersey reaching $159,640 or more.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 889 | 85.9 |
| #2 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 104 | 75.6 |
| #3 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 62 | 57.4 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in New Jersey
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in New Jersey are at Rowan University ($11,250/year), Stockton University ($12,996/year), Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($13,674/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Jersey's competitive tech salaries.
At Rowan University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $45,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,960, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in New Jersey (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rowan | $11,250 | $45,000 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Stockton | $12,996 | $51,984 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 Rutgers | $13,674 | $54,696 | 1.1 years | Public |
Other Tech Degree Programs in New Jersey
Explore other technology degree programs available in New Jersey:
- Best Computer Science Programs in New Jersey
- Best Artificial Intelligence Programs in New Jersey
- Best Machine Learning Programs in New Jersey
- Best Data Science Programs in New Jersey
- Best Data Analytics Programs in New Jersey
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Security Programs in New Jersey
- Best Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Technology Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Systems Programs in New Jersey
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
Compare computer engineering programs across different states:
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Arizona
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in California
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Colorado
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Georgia
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Illinois
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Massachusetts
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in Michigan
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in New York
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in New Jersey
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in New Jersey, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $59,710 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Computer Engineering Graduates: 237 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 4%
- โข Ranking Score: 95.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 237 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 95.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (237 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (4% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Princeton's Electrical and Computer Engineering program offers a world-class engineering education that balances technical rigor with curricular flexibility, allowing students to combine computer science, materials science, energy, physics, biology, and other fields. The program features extensive research opportunities across 11 specialized areas and strong industry connections with companies like Intel, Google, and Microsoft.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- โขFour years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in engineering)
- โขAt least two years of laboratory science (including physics and chemistry for students interested in engineering)
Program Details
- Credits: 36 courses
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Google, Intel, Microsoft
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $58,680 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Computer Engineering Graduates: 298 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 43%
- โข Ranking Score: 85.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 298 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 85.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (298 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Stevens Computer Engineering offers a unique design-focused curriculum with hands-on courses every semester, taught by globally renowned faculty with access to state-of-the-art laboratories. The program culminates in a two-semester senior design capstone that develops entrepreneurial skills needed for technology leadership.
Admission Prerequisites
- โขGeneral Chemistry I
- โขGeneral Chemistry Laboratory I
- โขDifferential Calculus
- โขIntegral Calculus
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $13,674 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Computer Engineering Graduates: 289 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 65%
- โข Ranking Score: 82.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 289 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (289 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Rutgers' electrical and computer engineering program offers up-to-the-minute coursework and research opportunities in world-class labs spanning cutting-edge fields from cloud computing and robotics to virtual reality and nanotechnology. The program provides strong industry connections through co-ops and internships that often lead to full-time employment offers.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 123 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $77,800
- Job Placement: 81% career outcomes rate
- Top Employers: Procter & Gamble, Batallure Beauty, Mondelฤz International, Bae Systems, Inc., Berry Global, Inc
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Computer Engineering Graduates: 84 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 78%
- โข Ranking Score: 67.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 84 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Rowan's ECE program features hands-on, real world project-based technical curriculum where every class includes a laboratory component with hallmark Engineering Clinics. The program offers 6-9 month co-op programs while still allowing graduation in four years, and provides a 4+1 BS/MS combined degree option.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128 credits
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $15,616 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 66% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Computer Engineering Graduates: 129 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 67%
- โข Ranking Score: 66.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 129 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (129 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NJIT's Computer Engineering program offers a comprehensive 120-credit curriculum with specialized tracks in Advanced Computer Systems and Computer Communications, culminating in hands-on design laboratory experience. Students have access to state-of-the-art academic and research laboratories for practical application of their studies.
Admission Prerequisites
- โขGeneral Chemistry I
- โขCalculus I
- โขPhysics I
- โขEnglish Composition
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
Should You Study Computer Engineering in New Jersey?
- You want access to tech jobs in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,800 median)
- You want to work at companies like Johnson & Johnson or Prudential
- You prefer New Jersey's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Jersey's 15)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Computer Engineering in New Jersey FAQ
Based on 15 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)
New Jersey-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 - New Jersey salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
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