🥇
$66,325
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
94.1
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: U of North Carolina at Ch..., North Carolina State Univ..., Duke
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $63,608/year
U of North Carolina at Ch... offers the most affordable option at $3,812/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 9 master's, 5 doctoral in North Carolina
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online computer engineering degree programs in North Carolina
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Major employers: IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, SAS
Tech hubs in Raleigh and Charlotte
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 92+ cities across North Carolina
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked North Carolina Computer Engineering programs
We rank 38 accredited computer engineering programs in North Carolina 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 North Carolina Worth It?
Answer
$107,340
Yes. The best computer engineering degree programs in North Carolina deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $107,340 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $19,182/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in North Carolina
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in North Carolina by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina
7
Programs ranked
$26,521
Avg tuition/yr
71%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
North Carolina ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 24 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 14 public and 10 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of North Carolina at Ch..., North Carolina State Univ..., Duke, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from North Carolina computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $91,239, 7% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $63,608 annually, with an average of $19,182/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, 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 North Carolina's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in North Carolina, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NCPublic
Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation on NC State’s Centennial Campus$6,535
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
92.3
Hakia Score
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NCPublic
For the Love of Charlotte: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte$3,812
Tuition/yr
69%
Grad rate
77.9
Hakia Score
#5
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NCPublic
$3,540
Tuition/yr
57%
Grad rate
74.6
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | High Point University | High Point, NC | Private nonprofit | $39,714 | 74% | 73.1 |
| #7 | Johnson C Smith University | Charlotte, NC | Private nonprofit | $19,270 | 34% | 66.1 |
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina
3
Programs ranked
$25,557
Avg tuition/yr
84%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
North Carolina offers 9 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, North Carolina State Univ..., U of North Carolina at Ch..., Duke, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in North Carolina earn a median salary of $107,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with IBM, Cisco, Red Hat 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 $17,898/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 North Carolina's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$66,325
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
93.3
Hakia Score
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NCPublic
Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation on NC State’s Centennial Campus$6,535
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
89.8
Hakia Score
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NCPublic
For the Love of Charlotte: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte$3,812
Tuition/yr
69%
Grad rate
72.4
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina
1
Programs ranked
$6,535
Avg tuition/yr
85%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
North Carolina is home to 5 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at North Carolina State Univ..., Duke, U of North Carolina at Ch... are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with North Carolina PhD holders earning a median of $134,175, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like IBM, Cisco, Red Hat.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across North Carolina programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer engineering degrees in North Carolina, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NCPublic
$6,535
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
84.9
Hakia Score
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in North Carolina
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $19,182/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $47,955/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,796/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $115,092 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $28,772 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in North Carolina
State Aid Programs
The Next NC Scholarship provides support.
UNC System students from families earning $80,000 or less receive at least $5,000/year, while community college students receive $3,000/year (CFNC). The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, food, and housing. Application is automatic through FAFSA with priority deadlines June 1 (UNC System) and August 15 (community colleges).
Key Programs & Amounts
NC Promise offers exceptional value at four campuses.
Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC Pembroke, and Western Carolina charge just $500/semester for in-state undergraduates. Combined with Pell Grants (up to $7,395 in 2024-25), many students attend at zero out-of-pocket cost.
Institutional Scholarships
Additional funding supports computer engineering students.
Park Scholarships and Goodnight Scholars at NC State support exceptional STEM students. Duke meets 100% of demonstrated need. Industry scholarships from technology employers supplement institutional aid. Complete FAFSA by March 1 for maximum consideration. Explore most affordable programs or best value rankings.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, North Carolina
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in North Carolina. 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
+750%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,386,612
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$131,579
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)$2,422,020
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 (Raleigh-Durham, NC)$125,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.3%
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 North Carolina metro areas
Raleigh$118K
Charlotte$113K
Durham$107K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Raleigh | $118K |
| Charlotte | $113K |
| Durham | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in North Carolina
Find computer engineering jobs in North Carolina. These major employers across North Carolina metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in raleighDurham
NCIBM
Enterprise Technology
Cisco Systems
Networking & Cybersecurity
SAS Institute
Analytics Software
Red Hat
Open Source Software
Epic Games
Game Development
Apple
Consumer Technology
NetApp
Data Storage
Fidelity Investments
Financial Services
Computer Engineering Jobs in Charlotte
NCCharlotte is the second-largest banking center in the US. Bank of America and Wells Fargo drive fintech demand.
Nearby cities: Huntersville, Concord, Matthews, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Mooresville
Bank of America
Banking & Fintech
Wells Fargo
Banking
LendingTree
Fintech
Credit Karma
Fintech
Coinbase
Cryptocurrency
SoFi Technologies
Fintech
AvidXchange
Fintech
nCINO
Banking Software
North Carolina Tech Industry & Infrastructure
North Carolina's Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is one of the densest US tech corridors per capita, anchored by three major research universities (NC State, Duke, UNC Chapel Hill) and a 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park hosting hundreds of tech employers. Charlotte separately operates as a top-tier US financial-services tech hub.
Research Triangle
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metros
Home to SAS Institute (analytics), IBM Research Triangle Park, Cisco, Red Hat (now IBM), Lenovo Americas HQ, Epic Games, Citrix, Bandwidth, and the Research Triangle Park complex. NC State CS, Duke CS, and UNC computer science all feed the local market — combined a top-10 US CS graduate pipeline.
Charlotte
Charlotte metro
Bank of America HQ and a top-3 US banking center. Wells Fargo, Truist, LendingTree, and dense fintech employment. Charlotte tech is heavily financial-services-coded; less consumer/startup but exceptionally stable employment.
Asheville / Western NC
Asheville metro
Smaller but growing remote-work and outdoor-industry tech market; not a primary tech destination but increasingly relevant for lifestyle-driven talent.
North Carolina has a flat state income tax (4.5% in 2026, scheduled to decline further). The NC Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and One NC Fund are the principal tech-employer incentives — Apple's $1B+ RTP campus relocation was supported by these programs.
North Carolina Regulation Affecting Computer Engineering Graduates
North Carolina has been more active on legislation around identity theft, biometrics, and AI in employment than on broad consumer privacy. The state's regulatory environment is generally employer-favorable but has tightened on data security since several high-profile state-government breaches.
NC Identity Theft Protection Act
Requires businesses to notify NC residents of data security breaches and sets minimum data-handling and disposal standards for personal information.
Standard breach-response compliance for any NC-resident-serving business; minimum technical standards have informed security-program design at NC-headquartered employers.
Read moreNC Computer Trespass Statute (N.C.G.S. § 14-453 et seq.)
State cybercrime law parallel to federal CFAA; covers unauthorized computer access, computer-related fraud, and damage to data.
Relevant for cybersecurity professionals doing incident response, penetration testing, or security research within NC.
Read moreNC Insurance Data Security Act
Adopted from the NAIC model; requires insurers and insurance-adjacent businesses to maintain comprehensive information security programs with risk assessments, incident response plans, and third-party oversight.
Drives security-engineering hiring at Charlotte-based insurance and financial-services employers; sets the technical bar for NC financial-services security teams.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in North Carolina
North Carolina does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. Standard engineering disciplines require ABET-EAC accreditation for PE eligibility; software engineering is not a recognized NC PE discipline. NC State's ABET-EAC software engineering program does qualify graduates for engineering tracks at federal agencies that recognize software engineering as engineering.
North Carolina licensing boardNorth Carolina Financial Aid Programs
NC Need-Based Scholarship (NCNBS)
State scholarshipUp to $11,150/yr
NC residents with demonstrated financial need at NC private colleges/universities
UNC Need-Based Grant
State grantVaries by institution and need; averages ~$3,500/yr
NC residents with financial need attending one of 16 UNC System universities
NC Education Lottery Scholarship
State grantUp to $5,100/yr at 4-year, $2,800/yr at community college
NC residents at NC public 2-year and 4-year institutions with financial need
NC Community College Grant
State grantUp to $2,800/yr
NC residents at NC community colleges with financial need
Transfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in North Carolina
State Transfer System
The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) provides structured transfer pathways.
Students completing Associate degrees at NC community colleges with 2.0+ GPA receive guaranteed UNC System admission with 60-61 transfer credits (NC Community Colleges). The 2025 CAA revision, effective Spring 2026, adds enhanced protections and a Transfer Appeals Portal.
How Transfers Work
Specialized programs offer guaranteed flagship admission.
Wolfpack Connect guarantees NC State admission for students from Wake Tech, Central Piedmont, and Forsyth Tech with 3.0+ GPA. C-STEP at UNC Chapel Hill targets high-achieving community college transfers. Nearly 60% of UNC System transfers come from NC community colleges.
Transfer Planning Tips
Strategic planning maximizes transfer efficiency.
Key transferable courses include programming fundamentals, mathematics through calculus, and introductory coursework in embedded systems. The Common Numbering System (CNS) database covers 1,600+ courses ensuring consistent transfer. Use CFNC.org's Transfer Student Planner to verify equivalencies. Explore affordable computer engineering programs for transfer-friendly options.
Computer Engineering Job Growth in North Carolina
17%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% growth for computer engineering occupations in North Carolina through 2023-2033. The median salary stands at $107,340 with 24 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in North Carolina
Employment Outlook
North Carolina's computer engineering job market reflects strong regional demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual salaries of $132,230 statewide, with Raleigh-Durham paying 5-10% above state averages (BLS OEWS May 2024). Job growth is projected at 5% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than average occupations. Entry-level positions start at 70-80% of median salary, with rapid advancement for strong performers.
Salaries by Metro
Regional markets offer distinct opportunities.
The Research Triangle hosts the highest concentration of computer engineering positions, with Lenovo and Cisco leading hiring. Charlotte's financial sector creates demand for computer engineering professionals in banking technology at Bank of America (investing $12 billion annually in technology), Wells Fargo, and Truist. Charlotte's tech workforce has grown 31% since 2020 with 118,000+ tech workers (Built In Charlotte).
High-Growth Sectors
Key employers shaping North Carolina's computer engineering landscape include: Lenovo, Cisco, IBM, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Red Hat. Defense contractors near Fort Bragg require cleared computer engineers for mission-critical systems. For related career paths, explore computer science degrees, software engineering programs, or cybersecurity rankings.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in North Carolina$69,771$155,643
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina
Online Programs
4 available in North Carolina
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$17,264/yr$19,182/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 Virginia
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $9,800
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in South Carolina
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $14,000
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 North Carolina: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in North Carolina?
The best computer engineering degree programs in North Carolina based on our methodology are: 1) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (93% graduation rate), 2) North Carolina State University at Raleigh, and 3) Duke University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). North Carolina offers 24 total accredited programs across 14 public and 10 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 24 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in North Carolina?
Computer Engineering degree program costs in North Carolina vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $19,182/year, while private institutions average $42,200/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $4,796/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $76,728 at public schools to $168,802 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 North Carolina?
Computer Engineering professionals in North Carolina earn a median salary of $107,340, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $69,771, while senior roles exceed $155,643. Salaries vary by metro area: Raleigh ($118,074), Charlotte ($112,707) 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 North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina offers 4 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 University of North Carolina Wilmington and Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Major Computer Engineering employers in North Carolina include IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, SAS, Epic Games. The Raleigh and Charlotte metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from North Carolina universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. North Carolina's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in North Carolina?
A computer engineering degree program in North Carolina offers strong ROI with a $107,340 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $19,182/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($121,294), 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 North Carolina?
Standard completion times for computer engineering degree programs in North Carolina 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. North Carolina community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a North Carolina university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in North Carolina?
North Carolina 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. North Carolina 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 North Carolina'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
North Carolina 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.
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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.