Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Washington 2025
University of Washington
Premier public computer engineering program with direct industry connections to Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. Strong embedded systems and computer architecture research.
Washington State University
ABET-accredited program with emphasis on hardware-software integration. Strong alumni network throughout Pacific Northwest tech industry.
Seattle University
Small class sizes with 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Strong industry partnerships and high job placement rates in Seattle tech sector.
- 1.Washington has 15 ABET-accredited computer engineering programs with University of Washington ranking #1 nationally among public institutions
- 2.Computer engineers in Washington earn median salary of $142,350 annually - 15% above national average due to tech industry concentration
- 3.Seattle area hosts 500+ technology companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and 2,000+ startups creating strong job demand
- 4.In-state tuition at public universities averages $11,958 - significantly lower than California competitors while maintaining high quality
- 5.Washington computer engineering graduates have 95% job placement rate within 6 months, with 78% staying in-state
Computer Engineering Education Landscape in Washington
Washington State offers exceptional computer engineering education opportunities, anchored by the University of Washington's nationally ranked program and supported by strong industry connections throughout the Puget Sound region. The state's unique position as home to Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and hundreds of tech companies creates unparalleled internship and career opportunities for computer engineering students.
Washington's computer engineering programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical applications, with particular strength in embedded systems, computer architecture, and hardware-software integration. For national context, see our best computer engineering programs nationwide. Students interested in related fields should explore our computer science programs in Washington or review software engineering career paths for comparison.
The state's commitment to STEM education is evident in robust funding for public universities and strong industry-academia partnerships. Major employers like Microsoft and Amazon actively recruit from Washington programs, often offering internships that lead to full-time positions. Additionally, Boeing's presence provides unique opportunities in aerospace and defense computing applications.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Washington May 2024, ABET 2024
6-year completion rate for computer engineering students from IPEDS 2023
Class size and individual attention availability
Employment rates and starting salaries in Washington tech market
Professional engineering accreditation status and program quality
Washington Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | Public | $12,076 | 92% | 16:1 | 94.5 |
| 2 | Washington State University | Pullman | Public | $11,841 | 78% | 18:1 | 88.2 |
| 3 | Seattle University | Seattle | Private | $50,328 | 84% | 12:1 | 86.7 |
| 4 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | Public | $10,970 | 76% | 19:1 | 82.4 |
| 5 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | Public | $11,169 | 71% | 21:1 | 79.8 |
| 6 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | Public | $10,493 | 69% | 22:1 | 77.5 |
| 7 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | Private | $46,932 | 75% | 13:1 | 76.2 |
| 8 | Gonzaga University | Spokane | Private | $49,280 | 86% | 11:1 | 75.8 |
| 9 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | Private | $47,224 | 72% | 12:1 | 73.6 |
| 10 | University of Puget Sound | Tacoma | Private | $58,152 | 81% | 10:1 | 72.9 |
| 11 | Walla Walla University | College Place | Private | $29,754 | 64% | 14:1 | 71.3 |
| 12 | Whitworth University | Spokane | Private | $50,596 | 77% | 11:1 | 70.7 |
| 13 | Washington State University Vancouver | Vancouver | Public | $11,841 | 65% | 20:1 | 68.4 |
| 14 | Washington State University Tri-Cities | Richland | Public | $11,841 | 63% | 19:1 | 66.8 |
| 15 | The Evergreen State College | Olympia | Public | $11,340 | 58% | 24:1 | 64.2 |
University of Washington
Seattle, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% graduation rate - highest among Washington public universities
- • $89,500 average starting salary for graduates
- • 98% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • 15+ active research labs in computer systems and architecture
Program Strengths
- World-class faculty including Turing Award winners and IEEE Fellows
- State-of-the-art research facilities including clean rooms and embedded systems labs
- Industry partnerships providing guaranteed internship and co-op opportunities
- Strong alumni network with graduates in leadership positions at major tech companies
- Comprehensive curriculum covering computer architecture, embedded systems, and VLSI design
Why Ranked #1
The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering consistently ranks among the top 10 computer engineering programs nationally. The program benefits from Seattle's tech ecosystem, with direct industry partnerships providing students access to cutting-edge research and internship opportunities at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing.
Student Reviews
"UW's computer engineering program gave me incredible hands-on experience with both hardware and software. The faculty connections helped me land an internship at Microsoft, which turned into a full-time offer."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
Washington State University
Pullman, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 78% graduation rate with strong student support services
- • $76,800 median starting salary for graduates
- • 95% employment rate within one year
- • Active student organizations including IEEE and robotics clubs
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited program ensuring professional engineering standards
- Emphasis on hands-on laboratory experience and senior capstone projects
- Strong co-op program with regional technology companies
- Affordable tuition with excellent return on investment
- Small class sizes allowing for personalized faculty mentoring
Why Ranked #2
WSU's computer engineering program offers excellent value with strong ABET accreditation and comprehensive curriculum. The program emphasizes practical engineering skills and maintains solid industry connections throughout the Pacific Northwest, with particular strength in embedded systems and digital signal processing.
Student Reviews
"WSU's computer engineering program provided a solid foundation in both theory and practice. The professors are very accessible and the hands-on labs prepared me well for industry work."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
Seattle University
Seattle, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 84% graduation rate with strong student retention
- • $82,200 average starting salary
- • 96% job placement rate in engineering roles
- • Strong alumni network in Seattle tech industry
Program Strengths
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Located in Seattle's tech hub with easy access to industry partnerships
- Strong ethics and social justice focus in engineering education
- Comprehensive support services and career guidance
- Modern facilities and well-equipped engineering laboratories
Why Ranked #3
Seattle University offers a premier private computer engineering education with small class sizes and personalized attention. Located in the heart of Seattle's tech corridor, students benefit from extensive industry partnerships and internship opportunities while receiving individualized mentoring from dedicated faculty.
Student Reviews
"The small class sizes at Seattle U meant I got to know my professors personally. They helped me secure internships and provided excellent career guidance throughout the program."
— Class of 2023 Graduate
Washington State University Systems Overview
Washington's higher education landscape for computer engineering is anchored by several key systems that provide diverse pathways for students at different price points and career goals.
The University of Washington system leads the state's computer engineering education, with the Seattle campus housing the nationally renowned Paul G. Allen School. The program benefits from direct connections to major tech employers and world-class research facilities. UW Bothell and Tacoma campuses offer additional options closer to suburban communities.
Washington State University operates multiple campuses with computer engineering programs, including the main Pullman campus and regional campuses in Vancouver and Tri-Cities. These programs maintain ABET accreditation while offering more affordable tuition and smaller class sizes than flagship universities.
The state's community college system provides excellent transfer pathways, with institutions like Bellevue College and Green River College offering pre-engineering programs that seamlessly transfer to four-year universities. This pathway can reduce total education costs by up to 40% while maintaining academic quality.
Private institutions like Seattle University and Gonzaga University offer alternative approaches with smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and strong industry connections. While tuition costs are higher, these programs often provide excellent return on investment through superior job placement rates and starting salaries.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software systems for major tech companies, startups, and aerospace firms throughout Washington State.
Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and test computer hardware components for companies like Intel, Microsoft, and Boeing's defense division.
Embedded Systems Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop embedded software and firmware for IoT devices, aerospace systems, and consumer electronics.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines for major Washington tech companies and startups.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1199Design large-scale distributed systems for companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and emerging fintech firms.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer systems and networks for government contractors, healthcare systems, and financial institutions.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $11,400 | $47,800 | Public |
| Average Class Size | 18-22 students | 11-14 students | Private |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | Public |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Very Strong | Private |
| Financial Aid Availability | Good | Excellent | Private |
| Job Placement Rate | 94% | 96% | Tie |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing for internships and full-time opportunities
- Lower cost of education compared to California while maintaining high program quality
- Strong job market with 95% placement rates and above-average starting salaries
- Beautiful Pacific Northwest environment with outdoor recreation opportunities
- No state income tax, reducing overall cost of living compared to other tech hubs
- More program variety - California offers 45+ computer engineering programs vs Washington's 15
- Warmer climate year-round for outdoor activities and lifestyle preferences
- Larger tech ecosystems in areas like Silicon Valley or Austin for maximum career options
- Lower overall cost of living in states like Texas or North Carolina
- Specific industry focus like aerospace (California) or energy (Texas)
Washington Computer Engineering Programs FAQ
Related Computer Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, tuition costs, and student demographics from 2023 survey
Washington state employment and salary data for computer engineering occupations, May 2024
Accreditation status and program details for engineering programs, updated 2024
Institutional characteristics, student-faculty ratios, and program offerings
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.