Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs 2025
Updated July 28, 2026

Most Affordable Computer Engineering Degree Programs 2026

Discover the best value computer engineering programs that deliver quality education without breaking the bank. Ranked by our Value Score algorithm that balances academic quality with affordability.

Programs Ranked217
Median In-State Tuition$9K/yr
Most Affordable$3K/yr
Value Score AlgorithmQ/T
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Key Takeaways

  • 1.computer Hardware Engineers earn a median salary of $128,170 with 5% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
  • 2.Top-ranked Computer Engineering programs include Florida Atlantic University, North Carolina A & T State University, Florida Polytechnic University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
  • 3.Best value: Florida Atlantic University offers computer engineering education at $2,522/year with 77% graduation rate
  • 4.25 accredited Computer Engineering programs analyzed using IPEDS 2024 completion data

Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable

🥇

Florida Atlantic University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Boca Raton, FLPublic

$2,522/yr in-state — among the most affordable

76.1
Score
$3K
Tuition/yr
63%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (76.1/100): 63% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $2,522 in-state tuition, 32 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 63% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $2,522 in-state tuition
  • 32 graduates annually
🥈

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Tallahassee, FLPublic

$3,152/yr in-state — among the most affordable

73.3
Score
$3K
Tuition/yr
53%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (73.3/100): 53% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,152 in-state tuition, 11 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 53% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,152 in-state tuition
  • 11 graduates annually
🥉

Florida Polytechnic University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Lakeland, FLPublic

$3,152/yr in-state — among the most affordable

74.1
Score
$3K
Tuition/yr
55%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (74.1/100): 55% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,152 in-state tuition, 23 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 55% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,152 in-state tuition
  • 23 graduates annually
#4

North Carolina A & T State University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Greensboro, NCPublic

$3,540/yr in-state — among the most affordable

74.6
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
57%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (74.6/100): 57% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,540 in-state tuition, 36 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 57% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,540 in-state tuition
  • 36 graduates annually
#5

University of West Florida

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Pensacola, FLPublic

$3,735/yr in-state — among the most affordable

74.0
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
59%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (74/100): 59% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,735 in-state tuition, 11 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 59% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,735 in-state tuition
  • 11 graduates annually
#6

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Charlotte, NCPublic

$3,812/yr in-state — among the most affordable

77.9
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
69%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (77.9/100): 69% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,812 in-state tuition, 59 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 69% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,812 in-state tuition
  • 59 graduates annually
#7

Texas A & M International University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Laredo, TXPublic

$3,818/yr in-state — among the most affordable

69.4
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
46%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (69.4/100): 46% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,818 in-state tuition, 15 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 46% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $3,818 in-state tuition
  • 15 graduates annually
#8

University of Florida

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Gainesville, FLPublic

$4,477/yr in-state — among the most affordable

95.9
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.9/100): 91% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,477 in-state tuition, 92 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $4,477 in-state tuition
  • 92 graduates annually
#9

University of Central Florida

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Orlando, FLPublic

$4,478/yr in-state — among the most affordable

90.2
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
78%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (90.2/100): 78% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,478 in-state tuition, 120 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 78% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $4,478 in-state tuition
  • 120 graduates annually
#10

Georgia Southern University

Bachelor's in Computer EngineeringOn-campus
Statesboro, GAPublic

$4,488/yr in-state — among the most affordable

66.2
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
55%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among computer engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (66.2/100): 55% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,488 in-state tuition, 23 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 55% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $4,488 in-state tuition
  • 23 graduates annually

Best Computer Engineering Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. Florida Atlantic University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Florida Atlantic University's bachelor's computer engineering program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boca Raton, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,522/year | Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 76.1

  2. #2. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's bachelor's computer engineering program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tallahassee, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,152/year | Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 73.3

  3. #3. Florida Polytechnic University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Florida Polytechnic University's bachelor's computer engineering program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Lakeland, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,152/year | Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 74.1

  4. #4. North Carolina A & T State University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks North Carolina A & T State University's bachelor's computer engineering program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Greensboro, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,540/year | Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 74.6

  5. #5. University of West Florida — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of West Florida's bachelor's computer engineering program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pensacola, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,735/year | Graduation Rate: 59% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 74.0

  6. #6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte's bachelor's computer engineering program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Charlotte, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,812/year | Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 77.9

  7. #7. Texas A & M International University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Texas A & M International University's bachelor's computer engineering program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Laredo, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,818/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 69.4

  8. #8. University of Florida — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of Florida's bachelor's computer engineering program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 95.9

  9. #9. University of Central Florida — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks University of Central Florida's bachelor's computer engineering program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.2

  10. #10. Georgia Southern University — Bachelor's Computer Engineering

    Hakia ranks Georgia Southern University's bachelor's computer engineering program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Statesboro, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,488/year | Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 66.2

Best Computer Engineering Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable

SchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateScore
#1 Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA
Public
$910
97%
100.0/100
#2 Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
Public
$1,000
95%
83.8/100
#3 Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC
Public
$1,000
86%
79.7/100
#4 Westfield State University
Westfield, MA
Public
$970
N/A
75.1/100
#5 Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA
Public
$970
N/A
74.6/100

Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.

Online Programs

Flexibility & Lower Cost

On-Campus Programs

Networking & Experience

Average Tuition$18,000/year$55,000/year
FlexibilityLimited online options due to lab requirementsFixed schedule, set location
NetworkingHardware engineering requires physical lab accessIn-person connections
Top ProgramASU Online MS in Computer Engineering, NC State Online, Johns Hopkins EPMIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, UIUC

Online Programs

Flexibility & Lower Cost

On-Campus Programs

Networking & Experience

Average Tuition$18,000/year$55,000/year
FlexibilityLimited online options due to lab requirementsFixed schedule, set location
NetworkingHardware engineering requires physical lab accessIn-person connections
Top ProgramASU Online MS in Computer Engineering, NC State Online, Johns Hopkins EPMIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, UIUC

Top 25 Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs 2026

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL · Public
On-campus$2,52263%$135,98076.1
#2
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
On-campus$3,15253%$135,98073.3
#3
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL · Public
On-campus$3,15255%$135,98074.1
#4
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC · Public
On-campus$3,54057%$135,98074.6
#5
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL · Public
On-campus$3,73559%$135,98074.0
#6
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
On-campus$3,81269%$135,98077.9
#7
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, TX · Public
On-campus$3,81846%$135,98069.4
#8
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47791%$135,98095.9
#9
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47878%$135,98090.2
#10
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA · Public
On-campus$4,48855%$135,98066.2
#11
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
On-campus$4,55977%$135,98087.3
#12
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA · Public
On-campus$4,56052%$135,98073.4
#13
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
On-campus$4,64086%$135,98092.9
#14
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
Online$4,72174%$135,98084.7
#15
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID · Private nonprofit
On-campus$4,80055%$135,98065.6
#16
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR · Public
On-campus$5,02449%$135,98073.8
#17
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY · Public
On-campus$5,19059%$135,98063.7
#18
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK · Public
On-campus$5,22075%$135,98079.8
#19
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK · Public
On-campus$5,41768%$135,98075.8
#20
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Weber State University
Ogden, UT · Public
On-campus$5,62146%$135,98065.9
#21
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus
Gurabo, PR · Private nonprofit
On-campus$5,75031%$135,98064.3
#22
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT · Public
On-campus$5,81845%$135,98068.5
#23
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08486%$135,98092.4
#24
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08450%$135,98061.1
#25
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08455%$135,98066.2
#26
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08468%$135,98079.8
#27
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08463%$135,98066.8
#28
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08457%$135,98065.9
#29
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08470%$135,98075.4
#30
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08448%$135,98061.0
#31
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08469%$135,98085.9
#32
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08457%$135,98068.7
#33
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08456%$135,98068.2
#34
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08476%$135,98090.8
#35
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08450%$135,98063.6
#36
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08469%$135,98077.4
#37
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX · Public
On-campus$6,26653%$135,98068.2
#38
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · Public
On-campus$6,29957%$135,98069.3
#39
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC · Public
On-campus$6,53585%$135,98092.3
#40
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX · Public
On-campus$6,60052%$135,98062.4
#41
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$6,68881%$135,98085.4
#42
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID · Public
On-campus$6,75657%$135,98067.1
#43
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
CUNY City College
New York, NY · Public
On-campus$6,93057%$135,98076.9
#44
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07082%$135,98090.4
#45
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07075%$135,98082.5
#46
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07076%$135,98088.5
#47
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07072%$135,98078.2
#48
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI · Public
On-campus$7,12656%$135,98063.1
#49
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX · Public
On-campus$7,38743%$135,98062.3
#50
Bachelor's in Computer Engineering
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS · Public
On-campus$7,52951%$135,98061.6

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

How Much Does a Computer Engineering Affordable Degree Cost?

The total cost of a affordable's degree in Computer Engineering ranges from $48,000 at public universities to over $220,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (US News, IPEDS 2024-24).

  • Public University (In-State): $12,000/year × 4 years = $48,000 total
  • Public University (Out-of-State): $32,000/year × 4 years = $128,000 total
  • Private University: $55,000/year × 4 years = $220,000 total
  • Online Programs: $18,000/year × 4 years = $72,000 total

With median starting salaries of $155,020, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.

Calculate Your ROI

Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$133,333

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown

How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

$89,500
Starting Salary
$142,000
Mid-Career
+25%
Job Growth
162,900
Annual Openings

Career Paths

Hardware Engineer

+0.05%

Design and develop computer hardware components, processors, and electronic systems.

Median Salary:$95,000

Systems Engineer

+0.21%

Design and integrate complex computer systems and networks for organizations.

Median Salary:$92,000

Most Affordable States for Computer Engineering Education

Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in North Carolina
Total Programs
6
Median Tuition
$4,443
Top Program
North Carolina A & T State University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
Total Programs
10
Median Tuition
$4,477
Top Program
Florida Atlantic University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Total Programs
5
Median Tuition
$5,407
Top Program
Grambling State University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Oklahoma
Total Programs
2
Median Tuition
$5,417
Top Program
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in California
Total Programs
21
Median Tuition
$5,742
Top Program
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Idaho
Total Programs
3
Median Tuition
$5,992
Top Program
Boise State University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Montana
Total Programs
3
Median Tuition
$6,056
Top Program
Montana State University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Utah
Total Programs
6
Median Tuition
$6,496
Top Program
Brigham Young University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in New Mexico
Total Programs
2
Median Tuition
$6,803
Top Program
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in New York
Total Programs
12
Median Tuition
$7,070
Top Program
Stony Brook University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Texas
Total Programs
24
Median Tuition
$7,704
Top Program
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in South Dakota
Total Programs
2
Median Tuition
$7,800
Top Program
South Dakota State University
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Wisconsin
Total Programs
4
Median Tuition
$8,455
Top Program
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Tennessee
Total Programs
6
Median Tuition
$8,764
Top Program
Middle Tennessee State University

Financial Aid Strategies for Computer Engineering Students

Computer engineering students have access to substantial financial aid opportunities beyond traditional need-based aid. STEM-focused scholarships, industry partnerships, and state-specific programs can significantly reduce costs. The data shows that students at affordable programs receive an average of 68% of their costs covered through various aid sources.

Merit-based scholarships are particularly abundant for computer engineering students. Many state universities offer automatic scholarships based on GPA and test scores, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to full tuition coverage. The University of Florida's Benacquisto Scholarship covers full cost of attendance for National Merit Scholars, while NC State offers merit awards up to $15,000 annually.

  • Fill out FAFSA by priority deadlines (February 15)
  • Apply for state-specific aid programs like Texas Grant or Florida Bright Futures
  • Research industry scholarships from companies like IEEE, AMD, and Intel
  • Consider work-study programs in computer labs or research facilities
  • Explore co-op programs that provide paid work experience while in school

Students should also investigate employer tuition assistance programs for working professionals. Many technology companies offer up to $10,000 annually for employees pursuing relevant degrees, making part-time programs particularly attractive for career changers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Engineering Degrees

How long does it take to get a Computer Engineering degree?
A bachelor's degree takes 4-5 years (128-136 credits) due to extensive lab requirements. Master's programs take 1.5-2 years (30-36 credits). PhD programs take 4-6 years. ABET-accredited programs have specific course sequences that limit acceleration. (IPEDS, ABET criteria)
Can you get a Computer Engineering degree online?
Bachelor's programs are limited online due to lab requirements. Online master's programs are available from ASU, NC State, and Johns Hopkins. Hardware engineering requires hands-on lab experience, making traditional programs preferable for undergraduates. Graduate students with industry experience benefit most from online options. (US News, University catalogs)
Is a Computer Engineering degree worth it?
With median salary of $155,020 (top 10% earn $223,820), 7% job growth, and 4,700 annual openings, computer engineering offers exceptional ROI. It's one of the highest-paying engineering fields. Demand for chip designers, embedded systems engineers, and IoT specialists continues growing. (BLS OOH 2024)
What are the best schools for Computer Engineering?
Top-ranked programs: MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, and UIUC. All are ABET-accredited. Cal Poly SLO and Purdue offer excellent value. For online master's: ASU Online, NC State, Johns Hopkins Engineering Programs. (US News Engineering Rankings 2025)
What are the requirements for a Computer Engineering degree?
Prerequisites include Calculus I-III, Differential Equations, Physics I-II (with labs), and programming fundamentals. Core curriculum covers digital logic, computer architecture, embedded systems, VLSI design, and signal processing. ABET accreditation requires engineering sciences and a design capstone. (ABET Criteria, University catalogs)
Do you need a Computer Engineering degree for hardware jobs?
For most hardware engineering roles. BLS states entry-level computer hardware engineers 'need a bachelor's degree from an accredited program.' Electrical engineering degrees are also accepted. Software-focused roles may accept CS degrees. Hardware verification and chip design strongly prefer CE or EE backgrounds. (BLS, Industry requirements)
What's the job market like for Computer Engineering graduates?
Solid outlook. BLS projects 7% growth (2024-2034) with 4,700 annual openings. While slower than software, hardware engineering commands higher salaries ($155,020 median). Semiconductor companies (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm) and defense contractors are major employers. AI/ML hardware accelerators driving new demand. (BLS OOH 2024)
Computer Engineering vs Computer Science: which is better?
CE focuses on hardware (processors, embedded systems, chip design). CS focuses on software (algorithms, applications). CE has higher median salary ($155,020 vs $130,160) but fewer openings. CS offers more job flexibility and faster growth (15% vs 7%). Choose CE for hardware/IoT. CS for software development. (BLS salary comparisons)
What skills do Computer Engineering graduates need?
Key skills include programming languages, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication. Specific technical skills vary by specialization but include proficiency in industry-standard tools and methodologies.
How much do Computer Engineering graduates earn?
The median salary for Computer Engineering professionals is $155,020 nationally. Entry-level positions start around $85,430, with experienced professionals earning over $223,820.

How We Rank Computer Engineering Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

Florida Atlantic University's Bachelor's in Computer Engineering tops our list of 50 most affordable computer engineering programs. We fold federal graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition figures into a single 0 to 100 score applied identically to every school. 1 of them can be earned fully online.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

National salary data for computer engineering graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources and Methodology

IPEDS Data Center

Tuition, enrollment, and graduation rate data from the Department of Education

College Scorecard

Employment outcomes, earnings data, and net price information

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment projections and salary data for computer engineering occupations

ABET Accreditation Database

Program accreditation status and institutional data

Return on Investment Analysis for Affordable Programs

Return on investment calculations reveal that affordable computer engineering programs often outperform expensive alternatives. Graduates from the top 10 most affordable programs achieve debt payback periods averaging just 2.8 years, compared to 4.2 years for graduates from high-cost private institutions.

The University of Florida demonstrates exceptional ROI with graduates earning while maintaining average debt loads of just $23,000. This translates to a debt-to-income ratio of 26%, well below the recommended 40% threshold. Similar patterns emerge at other affordable programs where strong industry partnerships help high-paying job placements.

Geographic factors significantly impact ROI calculations. Programs in tech hubs like Austin (UT), Seattle (UW), and Raleigh (NC State) provide graduates with immediate access to high-paying opportunities. However, cost of living adjustments often favor programs in smaller college towns where students graduate with lower debt and can relocate to high-salary markets post-graduation.

Related Computer Engineering Resources

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Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.