Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Tennessee 2025
Vanderbilt University
217 computer engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
181 computer engineering graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Tennessee Technological University
173 computer engineering graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 24+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Vanderbilt University leads with 99% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 24 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 1,033 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 24 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)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Tennessee Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | 98.2 |
| 2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 79.7 |
| 3 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 75.2 |
| 4 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 69.1 |
| 5 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,232 | 91% | 68.8 |
| 6 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 56 |
| 7 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 54.1 |
| 8 | The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | Private | $53,418 | 100% | 53.7 |
| 9 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 51.2 |
| 10 | Rhodes College | Memphis, TN | Private | $54,082 | — | 50.8 |
| 11 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | Public | $7,320 | 88% | 49 |
| 12 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 48.4 |
| 13 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 48.1 |
| 14 | Lane College | Jackson, TN | Private | $9,270 | — | 45.3 |
| 15 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 43.8 |
| 16 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 40.7 |
| 17 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 40.3 |
| 18 | Tusculum University | Greeneville, TN | Private | $27,500 | — | 39.5 |
| 19 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 39.3 |
| 20 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 38.3 |
| 21 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 38.1 |
| 22 | Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City, TN | Private | $32,900 | — | 37.1 |
| 23 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 31.6 |
| 24 | Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, TN | Private | $10,776 | — | 30.4 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Vanderbilt | University of Tennessee-K... | Tennessee Technological | Middle Tennessee State | University of Tennessee-C... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,618 | $11,332 | $8,764 | $7,536 | $8,232 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 73% | 88% | 97% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 217 | 181 | 173 | 73 | 97 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 46% | 83% | 68% | 77% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 98.2/100 | 79.7/100 | 75.2/100 | 69.1/100 | 68.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 24 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 217 | 98.2 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 181 | 79.7 |
| #3 Tennessee Technological | $8,764 | 88% | 173 | 75.2 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 8 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 81 | 94.5 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 52 | 72.6 |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 17 | 59.9 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Tennessee State University ($7,320/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, 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 Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Tennessee State | $7,320 | $29,280 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 217 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 217 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 98.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (217 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 181 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 79.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 181 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (181 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 173 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 75.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 173 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (173 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Tennessee Tech's Computer Science program offers close faculty-student interaction in a small program environment with strong research collaborations across multiple engineering departments and Centers of Excellence. The Fast Track Program allows qualified undergraduates to take up to 6 hours of graduate courses while completing their bachelor's degree, saving time and money.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Programming experience (C, C++, Python, Java) using data structures
- •Algorithmic analysis, design, and complexity
- •Discrete mathematics (Boolean logic)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.85
- Transfer Friendly
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 69.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 73 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (73 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MTSU's Computer Engineering Technology program is ABET accredited and provides extensive hands-on experience in advanced lab methodologies. The program excels at connecting students with industry professionals and graduates are recruited by regional, national, and international employers.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 97 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 68.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 97 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (97 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 24)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer Engineering in Tennessee 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 - Tennessee salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
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