The Best Universities for
Computer Engineering in 2021
We have integrated computers into all aspects of our daily lives. We use them in different sectors, from medicine to tech, to make life easier. Computer engineers maintain these computers and create solutions. The best schools for computer engineering prepare them for this important role.
This article contains a list of the best computer engineering schools. You will also get some advice on how to choose the best school for you, along with other vital information.
Overview: The Top 10 Computer Engineering Colleges in 2021
There are a lot of options when it comes to computer engineering degrees. Below we have listed 10 of the best schools in the United States for computer engineering. The list contains both undergraduate programs and graduate programs, together with their tuition costs. Tuition information was sourced from the schools’ official websites.
| School | State | Degrees and Tuition | Online Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Computer Systems Engineering Residents, on-campus and online: $10,710 per year Non-residents, on-campus: $28,800 per year Non-residents, online: $12,984 per year Master of Science in Computer Engineering Residents, on-campus and online: $11,720 per year Non-residents, on-campus: $23,544 per year Non-residents, online: $9,774 per year |
Yes |
| Boston University | MA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering $58,560 per year Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering $58,560 per year |
No |
| Central Michigan University | MI | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Lower-level students: $12,750 per year Upper-level students: $13,500 per year |
No |
| Florida International University | FL | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering On-campus: Residents: $6,168 per year Non-residents: $18,566 per year Online: Residents: $3,516 per year Non-residents: $6,326 per year Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Network Security $25,000 total |
Yes |
| Grantham University | KS | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology $295 per credit hour |
Online only |
| Johns Hopkins University | MD | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering $58,720 per year |
No |
| Morgan State University | MD | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Residents: $5,477 per year Non-residents: $15,949 per year |
No |
| Northern Arizona University | AZ | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Yuma campus: $7,950 per year Flagstaff campus, residents: $10,650 per year Flagstaff campus, non-residents: $25,396 per year |
No |
| Regent University | VA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering On-campus: $17,220 per year Online: $9,480 per year |
Yes |
| Saint Cloud State University | MN | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Resident: $9,170 per year Non-resident: $10,204 – $18,010 per year |
Hybrid |
Computer Engineering Degree Levels Explained
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There are four levels of degrees in computer engineering. Your level determines the type of job you will be qualified for. For instance, master’s degree holders can land mid-level jobs right away, without starting at the entry level.
Computer Engineering Associate Degree
Associate degrees are the fastest educational route to a career in computer science or computer engineering. The programs are usually offered at community colleges. Most full-time learners finish the program in two years.
Students in computer engineering associate degree programs receive training to work in entry-level positions. For other roles, employers may prefer someone who has a bachelor’s degree.
Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
You’ll earn this degree after four years of schooling in a full-time program. Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits. There are both online and on-campus programs at some schools. Accelerated options are available for undergraduate students who want to earn their degrees faster.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering are qualified for entry-level positions. They can work as computer hardware engineers and other similar roles.
Computer Engineering Master’s Degree
A computer engineering master’s degree offers advanced leadership skills and training. You’ll need these skills to supervise technological teams and conduct research. Full-time programs for graduate degrees take about two years to complete.
Graduates with master’s degrees get more advanced roles in hardware and software engineering. They also work in computer network architecture, information security analysis, and systems analysis. Their roles are often supervisory and they earn higher salaries.
Computer Engineering Doctorate
A doctorate is the highest level of degree in this category. This degree qualifies graduates for top careers in government agencies and higher education. Not all universities offer doctoral programs.
Holders of doctorate degrees conduct high-level research for businesses and organizations. These programs can take five to seven years to complete. To enroll, you’ll need a strong background in programming, coding, critical thinking, and data analysis.
In Detail: The Best Computer Engineering Schools of 2021
The best schools offer training to prepare students for careers in computer engineering. The tuition costs are different at each school. Below are the 10 best computer engineering schools.
Arizona State University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Master of Science
Graduation Rate: 66%
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
ASU’s computer engineering programs offer instruction about subjects like system integration. They also cover the design, testing, deployment, and evaluation of software and hardware. The computer engineering degree focuses on applied mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering.
ASU Computer Engineering Pros
- Accredited
- High graduation rate
- Solid curriculum
ASU Computer Engineering Cons
- Lack of one-on-one support
Boston University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Graduation Rate: 89%
Regional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Boston University’s programs give you a clear understanding of several aspects of computer engineering. It has several courses to help students learn specific skills and techniques. They include computer organization, logic design, software design, operating systems, and algorithms.
Boston University Computer Engineering Pros
- High-quality teaching
- Located in a beautiful city
- Excellent reputation
Boston University Computer Engineering Cons
- Costly tuition
Central Michigan University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 64%
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Graduates of this program learn all they need to work in computer engineering. The program teaches students to identify and solve complex science, engineering, and mathematics problems. They also learn to apply engineering design to create solutions for safety, welfare, and health.
Central Michigan University Computer Engineering Pros
- Accredited
- Decent graduation rates
Central Michigan University Computer Engineering Cons
- No fully-online programs
Florida International University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Graduation Rate: 67%
Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FIU’s computer engineering department offers a wide range of courses. You can get a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. The programs are a blend of computer engineering and electrical engineering. Students can select their courses based on their career goals or academic interests.
FIU Computer Engineering Pros
- High graduation rate
- Accredited
- Excellent reputation
FIU Computer Engineering Cons
- Intense academics
Grantham University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 22%
Regional Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Students in this bachelor’s program have the opportunity to become experts in computer science. They also learn about electronics and computer engineering. Graduates are prepared for the installation of hardware and software systems. They also learn enhanced design, construction, and the practical application of theoretical principles.
Grantham Computer Engineering Pros
- Recognized by ABET
- Solid curriculum
- Affordable tuition
Grantham Computer Engineering Cons
- Low graduation rates
Johns Hopkins University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 92.4%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Johns Hopkins has a computer engineering program with a very high graduation rate. The bachelor’s degree program requires 126 credit hours worth of coursework. Students learn with web-tailored coursework and a creative learning platform. It offers online resources to further ease studying.
Johns Hopkins Computer Engineering Pros
- World-class professors
- Recognized around the world
- High graduation rate
Johns Hopkins Computer Engineering Cons
- Expensive
Morgan State University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 46%
Regional Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
This computer engineering program at Morgan State offers fundamental training and knowledge of computer science. The program teaches students how to define problems and find the best solution. Strategies for problem-solving involve studying, specifying, designing, implementing, testing, and making appropriate modifications.
Morgan State Computer Engineering Pros
- Staff support
- Sense of community
- Affordability
Morgan State Computer Engineering Cons
- Low graduation rate
Northern Arizona University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 57%
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Northern Arizona focuses on the underlying principles of computing and electricity. The curriculum also covers subjects like problem-solving, design, and project management. You’ll learn and practice design and end the program with a capstone project.
Northern Arizona Computer Engineering Pros
- Solid curriculum
- Affordable tuition
- One-on-one support
Northern Arizona Computer Engineering Cons
- No master’s or doctoral programs for computer engineering
Regent University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 61%
Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Regent University’s computer engineering program teaches students how to apply engineering principles to solve complex problems. Students sharpen their programming skills as they learn software engineering. One of the core courses in the curriculum is Algorithms and Data Structures, which the best computer science schools also offer.
Regent University Computer Engineering Pros
- Excellent online program
- High acceptance rate
- Comprehensive curriculum
Regent University Computer Engineering Cons
- No graduate programs
Saint Cloud State University
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Rate: 45%
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The computer engineering curriculum at Saint Cloud State is very fast-paced and will work best for students who can manage their time well. It focuses on math, chemistry, and physics. Topics in the program include circuit analysis, digital logic design, and software systems. You will also study machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Saint Cloud State Computer Engineering Pros
- Excellent acceptance rate
- Affordable tuition
- Up-to-date curriculum and capstone project
Saint Cloud State Computer Engineering Cons
- Low graduation rate
How to Pick the Best Computer Engineering School for You
There are a lot of considerations to make before choosing the right school. The cost is the most important factor. You need to know the tuition and accompanying fees to determine if you can afford the program. Other considerations include accreditation and quality of training.
Online vs In-Person Computer Engineering Degrees
Online training works well for computer engineering degrees. It’s a convenient way to finish a degree if you’re a working adult. With these programs, students can learn industry-specific skills that prepare them for success in the workforce. The main benefit of this program is convenience.
In-person programs may not always offer the same convenience. The quality of education is just as good, but you may need to move before enrolling, which can cost a lot of money. While you won’t have the flexibility to study at your own pace, the in-person environment and the live sessions will help hold you accountable.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor to consider. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the main accrediting body for programs in computer engineering. Before choosing a school, ensure that it is ABET-accredited.
This guarantees the quality of the program because ABET reviews it and determines its quality. It also shows that the program meets the nationally recognized standards.
Curriculum
You’ll need to review the curriculum to make sure that it has sound instruction on computer science and engineering. Also, you need to check the learning progression. It helps to know in advance whether you will be exposed to both the hardware and the software aspects of training. Finally, make sure that the program you choose emphasizes hands-on learning.
Quality of Training
You should consider the quality of training as well. Schools with professors who are well-versed in the field can offer quality training. Be sure to check the academic staff and their qualifications.
You should also consider the tools used for training. You can rule out programs that don’t use modern training tools and don’t provide resources to help you in the learning process.
How Much Can You Earn with a Computer Engineering Degree?
Computer engineering jobs have some of the highest starting salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer hardware engineers earn a median annual wage of $119,560. BLS also projects a two percent growth rate for computer engineering jobs over the next ten years.
Below is a list of the highest-paying jobs for someone with a degree in computer engineering. Salary information comes from ZipRecruiter.
The Best Computer Engineering Careers
| Profession | Required Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $103,094 |
| Computer Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,815 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $99,729 |
| Network Security Specialist | Bachelor’s degree | $97,655 |
| Systems Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,021 |
| Robotics Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $91,531 |
| Video Game Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $83,479 |
| Product Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $74,718 |
| Web Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $60,202 |
| IT Specialist | Bachelor’s degree | $54,495 |
Why You Should Attend a Computer Engineering School in 2021
A computer engineering degree will allow you to work in many fields. Computer engineering experts are relevant in development, design, and IT management. As technology develops, the demand for these experts will continue to grow. The degree could increase your employability in a digitally inclined world.
Computer engineering schools prepare you for the workforce by teaching you the fundamentals of engineering and computer science. You’ll learn valuable skills that will help you thrive in the tech industry.
