Best Computer Engineering colleges in the U.S. 2024
Best Computer Engineering colleges in the U.S. for 2024
With an acceptance rate of only 8%, getting into this private institution in Durham, N.C., proves quite a challenge. Those who do earn a spot, however, enter one of the most dynamic and well-respected research institutions in the world. In fiscal year 2021, Duke’s electrical and computer engineering program received $40 million in new research awards.
The 30+ tenured faculty in the department are ranked third in the U.S. in research productivity in computer engineering. More than 230 undergraduates pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, while master’s and PhD programs enroll another 350+ students combined. Interdisciplinary studies, original research, publication, and collaboration with faculty are encouraged at all levels.
If you’re looking for other computer engineering colleges, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the best computer engineering college for you!
This elite powerhouse, located in Evanston, Ill., prides itself on developing innovative technology to address global challenges. The university offers students plenty of opportunities to connect with faculty and become involved in their cutting-edge research. Connections with companies in nearby Chicago expand the education of computer engineering students beyond the classroom. Students graduate with a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Engineering – and plenty of real-world skills.
Computer engineering students at this private school in Baltimore, Md., quickly learn that their professors put a premium on two things: creativity and curiosity. Great outcomes arrive from imagining what would make the world a better place – and then making it happen.
Students can tailor programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels to align with individual interests. Specialties at Hopkins include human language technology, biomorphic systems, photonics, optoelectronics, and machine learning.
Outside of class, computer engineering students congregate (and drink free coffee!) in the department’s newly renovated lounge. Many join relevant extracurricular organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, the Robotics Club, or the Technology Entrepreneurship Club.
Interested in studying computer engineering at an Ivy League school? This private institution in Philadelphia, Pa., could be your ideal place. UPenn undergrads receive both a rock-solid tech background and plenty of exposure to the liberal arts.
Such an education positions students well to assume a wide range of positions after graduation, including leadership roles. As might be expected, though, a good number go on to earn a graduate degree. While UPenn itself does not offer graduate programs in computer engineering, the quality of its Bachelor of Science in Engineering program opens doors elsewhere.
Combine the educational offerings of a top-notch private university with the excitement of living in the City That Never Sleeps and you have the groundwork for a stimulating college experience! While Columbia does not currently have a doctoral program, its computer engineering program awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Undergrads eager to pursue a broader experience may opt for the Columbia Combined Plan. Participants graduate in five to six years with both a Bachelor’s Degree in a Liberal Arts discipline and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering.
Computer engineering studies at this public Midwestern gem grew out of an electrical engineering program with roots tracing back to 1889! Michigan faculty and its 18,000 electrical and computer engineering alumni have been involved in everything from the founding of Google to the creation of the iPad. The innovative community continues to thrive today through the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs in computer engineering, including a sequential option in which highly motivated students can graduate in five years with both a bachelor’s and a master’s.
With the number of well-paying positions available in California’s high-tech economy, studying computer engineering at this well-respected private school in Los Angeles seems like an ideal start. You might even want to start building that resume as an undergrad by taking advantage of the school’s summer research experiences.
USC also awards master’s and doctoral degrees in computer engineering. And while the university enrolls more than 46,000 students, attendees rave about the personalized experience.
South Bend, Indiana, may lack the hustle and bustle of major cities, but computer engineering students at Notre Dame leave prepared to take on challenges anywhere. The university is proud of the nearly 100% job placement rate of its computer engineering undergrads for many years. It probably doesn’t hurt that many students take advantage of the university’s option to spend a semester at a start-up in Silicon Valley.
Of course, some graduates forgo immediate employment and further expand their skills through more education, including earning a master’s or doctoral degree in computer science and engineering at their alma mater.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers 1 Computer Engineering, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 157 Computer Engineering, General students graduated with students earning 157 Bachelor's degrees.
Whether you are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in computer engineering, you’re guaranteed a solid education at this private school in the heart of St. Louis, Mo. In the 1950s, WashU was one of the first institutions to bring computers to campus. It later awarded the nation’s first PhD in Computer Science. Today, PhD students in computer engineering are fully funded, including health insurance.
Find local colleges with Computer Engineering majors in the U.S.
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. |
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
List of all Computer Engineering colleges in the U.S.
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Duke University Durham, NC | 12 : 1 | 18,023 | |
|
Northwestern University Evanston, IL | 15 : 1 | 23,161 | |
|
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | 22 : 1 | 31,275 | |
|
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | 20 : 1 | 28,201 | |
|
Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | 21 : 1 | 34,782 | |