Best Computer Engineering colleges in the U.S. 2024

Written by Beth Hering

Best Computer Engineering colleges in the U.S. for 2024

University of Alabama at Birmingham offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 5 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 5 Doctoral degrees.

University of Alabama in Huntsville offers 4 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 68 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 58 Bachelor's degrees, 9 Master's degrees, and 1 Doctoral degree.

The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 21 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 21 Bachelor's degrees.

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University offers 4 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 84 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 34 Master's degrees, 31 Bachelor's degrees, and 19 Doctoral degrees.

University of South Alabama offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 11 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 11 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Alaska Anchorage offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 1 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 1 Bachelor's degree.

University of Alaska Fairbanks offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 2 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 2 Bachelor's degrees.

Image by @buluttyilmaz

Arizona State University Campus Immersion offers 3 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 154 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 72 Bachelor's degrees, 64 Master's degrees, and 18 Doctoral degrees.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 10 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 10 Bachelor's degrees.

Grand Canyon University offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a very large, private for-profit, four-year university in a large city.

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering involves the combination of hardware and software engineering to create computer architecture and parts. A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering prepares graduates for various roles in a rapidly growing industry that is full of job opportunities and professional growth.   

The demand for graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of computer engineering is growing as more companies utilize technological devices such as cell phones and laptops. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Amazon continue to hire computer engineers to develop devices like smart-watches, interactive speakers, and Bluetooth headphones. 

Computer engineering combines electrical engineering with broader computer science and information technology roles, such as software engineering. As a computer engineer, your job is to: 

  • Design and test new devices 
  • Understand how computer parts function 
  • Offer strategies to improve upon existing designs and assemblies
  • Collaborate with software designers 

Computer engineers are typically hired to work internally to develop new products, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that computer engineers find work with computer systems services, manufacturers, and the federal government.

Computer Engineering Degree Overview

Computer Engineering Degree Specializations

Computer Engineering degrees can come with specializations. These potential areas of focus vary by institution, but some to consider include:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Optics and photonics
  • Cloud computing
  • Cyber security
  • Mobile computing
  • Media computing
  • Computer architecture
  • Computer-aided design
  • Embedded systems
  • Robotics
  • Chip design
  • Machine learning and AI
  • Signal processing

Types of Degrees in Computer Engineering 

While students often begin with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, it’s important to note there are varying levels of education in the computer engineering field. Given the interest, those with a bachelor’s degree can pursue a master’s degree or PhD to improve their qualifications and future job salaries. 

Computer Engineering Courses

Here are a few courses you may find in a computer engineering degree program:

  • Programming Languages - This class explores common languages that programmers use like python and C++.
  • Linear Algebra - In this course, students learn about the mathematical aspect of digital processing and graphics.
  • Interactive Programming - This class explores how to alter and edit computer code while a program or application is running.
  • Digital Circuits - This course serves as an intro to information management and data processing at the digital level.

Skills Learned In a Computer Engineering Degree Program

With a degree in computer engineering, graduates will enter the workforce with a wide range of industry-specific skills. These programs build skills such as:

  • Writing/Editing programs + applications
  • Troubleshooting
  • Problem Solving
  • Collaboration/Communication
  • Software/hardware maintenance 
  • Computer Network Assembly

How to Get Into the Best Computer Engineering Schools

The first step to applying to any program is to check the admissions requirements to confirm the prerequisite experience needed to qualify. Most undergraduate computer engineering programs require the following:

  • Proof of completion of a 4-year high school degree
  • Minimum GPA requirements – these vary depending on the program but start at 3.0
  • Official Transcript
  • SAT/ACT test scores
  • Application fee
  • Letter of Intent
  • Letters of recommendation 

It is always a good idea to submit applications to computer engineering colleges with varying rates of acceptance. Diveresifying your application list with schools that have both high and low rates of admission will increase your chances of acceptance.

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering

A bachelor’s in computer engineering typically takes four years to complete. Schools offer bachelor’s degrees online and on-campus, so you should research which option fits your needs best.

You should consider admissions requirements, areas of specialization, and cost to ensure the program you choose fits your goals and lifestyle.

Types of Degrees in Computer Engineering 

While students often begin with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, it’s important to note there are varying levels of education in the computer engineering field. Given the interest, those with a bachelor’s degree can pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. to improve their qualifications and future job salaries. 

Coursework In Bachelor’s In Computer Engineering Programs

Classes required in computer engineering programs typically align with industry standards. Engineering courses like Programming Languages, and Digital Circuits, and Linear Algebra provide students with a wide range of knowledge and skills to help them operate in a variety of roles post-graduation. 

Topics covered in computer engineering programs include: 

  • Statistical analysis
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data structures
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Algorithms
  • Interactive programming

General knowledge of computer hardware engineering can help students tremendously. 

Most programs, including those at the undergraduate level, culminate with a capstone project. 

Course About the Course
Programming Languages This class explores common languages that programmers use like python and C++. 
Linear Algebra In this course, students learn about the mathematical aspect of digital processing and graphics. 
Interactive Programming This class explores how to alter and edit computer code while a program or application is running. 
Digital Circuits This course serves as an intro to information management and data processing at the digital level. 

How Long Does It Take To Get A Bachelor’s In Computer Engineering?

Most bachelor’s programs in computer engineering take four years to complete. These programs usually require 120 credit hours including mathematics and senior elective courses. Factors that impact the length of a degree program include:

  • Course load per semester
  • Accelerated course availability
  • Synchronous vs asynchronous learning
  • Part-time vs. full-time course loads

Skills Learned In Bachelor’s In Computer Engineering

With a Bachelor’s in computer engineering, graduates will enter the workforce with a wide range of industry-specific skills. These programs build skills such as:

  • Writing/Editing programs + applications
  • Troubleshooting
  • Problem Solving
  • Collaboration/Communication
  • Software/hardware maintenance 
  • Computer Network Assembly

What Can I Do with a Degree in Computer Engineering?

Computer engineers are typically hired to work internally to develop new products, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that computer engineers find work with computer systems services, manufacturers, and the federal government. As a computer engineer, your job duties may include: 

  • Designing and test new devices 
  • Understanding how computer parts function 
  • Offering strategies to improve upon existing designs and assemblies
  • Collaborating with software designers 

Here are a few other career paths that graduates with a computer engineering degree may take.

Earning an Online Computer Engineering Degree

There are many ways to earn a bachelor’s in computer engineering. For example, you can choose to study online, in-person, or through a hybrid of both options. You may want to earn additional certifications and licenses, depending on your specialization or field of interest. 

Online vs In-Person Graduate Degrees

Future computer engineering bachelor’s applicants have options depending on their current schedule and employment status. For example, many schools offer online computer engineering programs. 

Online learning offers flexibility, and students who choose to study online often balance a job while pursuing their degree. 

On-campus learning teaches students interpersonal skills that benefit them in professional settings and can provide additional networking opportunities that may improve the job search post-graduation.

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Course? 

Depending on the type of online course, student experiences can vary. If courses are taught synchronously, then students must attend online lectures and labs at set times. If a course is taught asynchronously, students have the ability to watch lectures and study with flexibility.

Hybrid courses offer a combination of online lectures and in-person lab time, which can be helpful for students looking to acquire skills needed to work post-graduation. Also, some programs offer accelerated online courses that condense the subject matter into 3-6 week increments. 

Computer Engineering Career and Salary Overview

There are many viable career options for professionals with a bachelor’s in computer engineering. Graduates with this degree can become:

  • Systems engineers 
  • Product designers
  • Beta-testers
  • Programmers

Professionals with a bachelor’s in computer engineering provide in-demand services that continue to increase in value. Those that earn a master’s degree in computer engineering can secure management and research-based positions, such as as a computer and information research scientist

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering Salaries and Career Outlook

Graduates with a bachelor’s in computer engineering may pursue careers as:

  • Computer programmers
  • Software Developers
  • Systems Managers
  • Computer Analysts

Job growth in the computer engineering career field can vary depending on the position, and graduates should note that these statistics are reflections of the current job market that can fluctuate over time. 

Computer Engineering Career Paths 

Career Salary Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) About the Position
Computer Programmers 89,190 -10% Programmers write and edit computer code to determine functionality, provide updates, and fix bugs
Software Developers 110,140 22% Software developers develop computer programs and collaborate with UX designers to identify issues 
Computer and Information Systems Managers 151,150 11% These professionals manage computer-related activities at an organizational level. 
Computer Systems Analysts 93,730 7% Systems Analysts provide recommendations and solutions for existing computer systems to ensure efficiency and functionality. 
Source: BLS

Computer Engineering Career Resources

Association for Computing Machinery - ACET is a professional organization dedicated to professional growth and education through the facilitation of global conversation among computer engineering professionals. 

The Association for Women in Communications - This membership-based organization provides female professionals in the computer engineering sector with education and networking opportunities. This group manages credentialing services, monthly publications, and scholarships to female members to further their careers in the field of computer engineering. 

Computing Research Association - CRA is dedicated to unifying the educational, governmental, and public sectors to further the positive impact of computer engineering on society as a whole. 



Computer Engineering FAQ

  • What can I do as a computer engineer?

    • As a computer engineer, you can write software, manage an organization’s computer and data systems, and build computer hardware. 

  • Is computer engineering a good degree?

    • Computer engineering is a lucrative degree option that provides a positive employment outlook for graduates. 

  • How many years does it take to study computer engineering?

    • Typically it takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. 

  • What does it take to become a computer engineer?

    • It is essential to have a strong understanding of mathematics and computer languages to become a successful computer engineer. 

List of all Computer Engineering colleges in the U.S.

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Logo North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC
3/5
20 : 1 36,700
Florida Institute of Technology Logo Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL
5/5
33 : 1 8,315
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Logo University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
3/5
24 : 1 22,676
University of Notre Dame Logo University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN
5/5
10 : 1 13,105
Johns Hopkins University Logo Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD
5/5
22 : 1 31,275