Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Texas 2025
University of Texas at Austin
Top-ranked ECE program with direct access to Austin's tech scene. Strong industry partnerships with Dell, IBM, and Apple
Rice University
Elite private program with 6:1 student-faculty ratio and excellent research opportunities in embedded systems and AI hardware
Texas A&M University
Large program with strong alumni network and industry connections. Excellent facilities and research opportunities
- 1.Texas has 35+ accredited computer engineering bachelor's programs across public universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.UT Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 87% graduation rate and direct pipeline to Austin's booming tech sector
- 3.Rice University offers elite education with 94% graduation rate and 6:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention
- 4.Texas computer engineers earn median $118,240 annually—8% above the national median with no state income tax (BLS Texas 2024)
- 5.Major tech employers include Dell, IBM, Texas Instruments, Oracle, Tesla, and Samsung with facilities across Austin, Dallas, and Houston
Computer Engineering Education Landscape in Texas
Texas offers one of the most comprehensive computer engineering education ecosystems in the nation, with programs spanning from elite private universities to affordable public institutions. The state's rapid tech growth, particularly in Austin's Silicon Hills, Dallas-Fort Worth's telecom corridor, and Houston's energy tech sector, creates exceptional opportunities for computer engineering graduates.
For national context, see our best computer engineering bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering costs should review our most affordable engineering programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our computer engineering salary guide for Texas-specific compensation data and our broader engineering careers overview.
Texas's unique advantages include no state income tax, lower cost of living compared to California, and a rapidly growing tech sector that rivals Silicon Valley. Major employers like Dell Technologies, Texas Instruments, IBM, Oracle, Tesla, and Samsung have significant operations across the state, creating abundant internship and career opportunities.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Texas May 2024, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
6-year completion rate from IPEDS data
Class size and faculty accessibility
Texas-specific salaries and employment rates
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Texas Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Public | $11,678 | 87% | 17:1 | 95.8 |
| 2 | Rice University | Houston | Private | $54,960 | 94% | 6:1 | 94.2 |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Public | $13,038 | 83% | 20:1 | 92.5 |
| 4 | University of Houston | Houston | Public | $11,824 | 67% | 22:1 | 87.3 |
| 5 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Public | $11,716 | 64% | 20:1 | 85.9 |
| 6 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | Public | $14,564 | 72% | 24:1 | 85.1 |
| 7 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Public | $11,520 | 58% | 27:1 | 82.4 |
| 8 | University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington | Public | $11,040 | 56% | 26:1 | 81.7 |
| 9 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Private | $53,070 | 82% | 13:1 | 81.2 |
| 10 | University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio | Public | $10,734 | 52% | 25:1 | 79.8 |
| 11 | Texas A&M University-Kingsville | Kingsville | Public | $9,684 | 48% | 19:1 | 78.5 |
| 12 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View | Public | $8,696 | 42% | 16:1 | 77.1 |
| 13 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | Private | $61,980 | 84% | 11:1 | 76.9 |
| 14 | University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso | Public | $8,736 | 45% | 26:1 | 75.3 |
| 15 | Lamar University | Beaumont | Public | $9,516 | 38% | 20:1 | 73.8 |
| 16 | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | Public | $8,738 | 41% | 23:1 | 72.6 |
| 17 | Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce | Public | $9,126 | 44% | 18:1 | 71.2 |
| 18 | Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches | Public | $10,086 | 51% | 20:1 | 70.5 |
| 19 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo | Public | $8,736 | 39% | 17:1 | 69.8 |
| 20 | Angelo State University | San Angelo | Public | $9,516 | 47% | 21:1 | 68.9 |
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $89,500 for Texas residents
- • 98% job placement rate within 6 months
- • Over 40 student organizations in engineering
- • Access to Austin's 5,000+ tech companies
Program Strengths
- Top 10 national ranking with 87% graduation rate
- Direct pipeline to major tech companies in Austin
- World-class research facilities and labs
- Strong industry partnerships with Dell, IBM, Apple, and Tesla
- Active student organizations and competition teams
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin's Electrical and Computer Engineering program consistently ranks among the top 10 nationally, with exceptional faculty research in AI hardware, cybersecurity, and embedded systems. The Austin location provides unparalleled access to tech internships and full-time opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The ECE program at UT provided incredible research opportunities and direct connections to Austin's tech scene. I landed internships at three major companies."
— Current Senior
"Faculty are accessible and genuinely care about student success. The curriculum balances theory with hands-on projects perfectly."
— 2024 Graduate
Rice University
Houston, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $92,000
- • 95% graduate school acceptance rate
- • 100% of students complete capstone projects
- • Access to Houston's major energy and tech companies
Program Strengths
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention
- 94% graduation rate - highest in Texas
- Strong emphasis on undergraduate research
- Excellent connections to Houston's energy tech sector
- Small cohorts foster collaborative learning
Why Ranked #2
Rice offers an elite computer engineering education with one of the best student-faculty ratios in the nation. The program emphasizes undergraduate research and provides exceptional preparation for both industry and graduate school.
Student Reviews
"The small class sizes at Rice mean professors know you personally. I've co-authored two research papers as an undergrad."
— Junior Student
"Rice's reputation opens doors everywhere. The rigor prepares you exceptionally well for both industry and PhD programs."
— Recent Alumnus
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $85,000
- • 92% job placement rate
- • Over 60 engineering student organizations
- • Strong presence at major Texas tech companies
Program Strengths
- Large program with diverse specialization options
- Strong alumni network across Texas tech industry
- Excellent research facilities and funding
- Active industry partnerships and internship programs
- Tradition of engineering excellence since 1876
Why Ranked #3
Texas A&M's computer engineering program benefits from the university's strong engineering tradition and extensive alumni network. The program offers excellent research opportunities and maintains strong industry connections throughout Texas.
Student Reviews
"The Aggie network is real and incredibly helpful for landing internships and jobs. The program rigor prepares you well for industry challenges."
— Senior Student
"Texas A&M provided excellent hands-on experience through labs and projects. Faculty bring real industry experience to the classroom."
— 2024 Graduate
Texas University Systems for Computer Engineering
Texas's higher education landscape offers multiple pathways to a computer engineering degree, each with distinct advantages and characteristics.
The University of Texas System includes flagship UT Austin with its top-ranked ECE program, along with strong regional options like UT Dallas (known for its growing tech programs), UT Arlington (engineering focus), and UT San Antonio (emerging Hispanic-serving institution). The UT system benefits from shared resources and consistent academic standards across campuses.
The Texas A&M University System offers the flagship College Station campus plus specialized programs at regional universities. A&M's engineering tradition, extensive alumni network, and industry connections make it particularly strong for students seeking traditional engineering careers in Texas.
Private institutions like Rice University and SMU provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, though at significantly higher tuition costs. Rice, in particular, offers research opportunities typically found only at graduate-focused institutions.
For students considering other degree paths, our computer science programs in Texas and software engineering programs in Texas provide related options with different career focuses.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software systems, applications, and embedded solutions for consumer and enterprise markets
Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and test computer hardware components including processors, circuit boards, and embedded systems
Systems Engineer
SOC 15-1199Design and manage complex computer systems and infrastructure for large-scale applications
Embedded Systems Engineer
SOC 15-1132Develop software and hardware for embedded systems in automotive, IoT, and consumer electronics
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Bridge development and operations teams to improve software deployment and infrastructure management
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, particularly focusing on hardware optimization
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
Texas Computer Engineering Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $11,200 | $28,500 | $54,000 |
| Room & Board | $12,000 | $12,000 | $14,500 |
| Total Annual Cost | $23,200 | $40,500 | $68,500 |
| 4-Year Total | $92,800 | $162,000 | $274,000 |
| Starting Salary | $78,000 | $78,000 | $88,000 |
| ROI Timeline | 2.5 years | 4.2 years | 6.8 years |
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax and lower cost of living than California
- Access to rapidly growing Austin, Dallas, and Houston tech scenes
- Strong public university options with affordable tuition
- Warm weather year-round with diverse geographic regions
- Growing presence of major tech companies and startups
- Traditional engineering culture with modern innovation
- Established tech ecosystems like Silicon Valley or Seattle
- More temperate climates with four distinct seasons
- Higher concentration of venture capital and startup funding
- More diverse industry options beyond energy and tech
- Extensive public transportation systems
- Higher baseline salaries despite higher cost of living
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Austin Chamber of Commerce 2024
Texas Computer Engineering Programs FAQ
Next Steps for Texas Computer Engineering Programs
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for target schools, focusing on math and science prerequisites. Most programs require calculus, physics, and chemistry.
Establish Texas Residency
If you're from out-of-state, begin the residency process 12+ months before enrollment to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Visit Campus Programs
Attend campus visits and information sessions to understand program culture, facilities, and industry connections at target universities.
Explore Financial Aid Options
Apply for FAFSA, Texas state grants, and university-specific scholarships. Many engineering programs offer merit-based aid.
Connect with Industry
Attend Texas tech meetups, join professional organizations like IEEE, and start building connections in Austin, Dallas, or Houston tech communities.
Related Computer Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official federal database providing graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data for all accredited colleges and universities
State-specific salary and employment data for computer engineering and related occupations
State agency data on Texas higher education programs, enrollment trends, and workforce outcomes
Federal education statistics including program accreditation and completion rates
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.