The Best Training for
Computer Engineering in 2021
Technology is rapidly becoming an important part of modern life. Computer engineers work at the intersection of computer science and electrical engineering. They are responsible for integrating this technology into our lives. As such, computer engineering is becoming an increasingly lucrative field.
If you’re interested in becoming a computer engineer, check out this guide. You will learn about the best computer engineer programs, the many benefits that come with this career, and everything in between. This article is a quick and helpful guide to the best computer engineering schools and programs in 2021.
Rundown: The Top 10 Computer Engineering Programs in 2021
Not all computer engineering programs are created equal, and several are particularly excellent. Computer engineering students should look for programs that promise quality, affordability, flexibility, and good job prospects.
Below you will find a list of the top 10 computer engineering programs in 2021, along with their annual tuition costs for the 2020-2021 academic year. Note that each program’s cost of tuition is not final and can vary based on your location or financial aid prospects.
These rates have been sourced from the websites of the respective schools.
School | State | Programs and Cost | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
Carnegie Mellon University | PA | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering $58,924 |
None |
Columbia University | NY | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering $61,671 |
None |
Duke University | NC | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $57,934 |
None |
Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering $29,158 (in-state) $50,270 (out-of-state) Master of Science in Computer Science $687 per credit hour (in-state) $1,423 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
None |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering $55,878 |
None |
Purdue University | IN | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering $12,042 (resident) $30,844 (nonresident) Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering $1,139 per credit (resident) $1,382 per credit (nonresident) |
None |
Rice University | TX | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering $53,687 Master of Science in Computer Science $1,666.67 per credit |
None |
Stanford University | CA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $55,473 Master of Science in Computer Science $1,352 per unit |
None |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | IL | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering $16,866 (in-state) $34,316 (out-of-state) Master of Science in Computer Science $670 per credit hour |
None |
University of Michigan | MI | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering $31,484 (in-state) $66,698 (out-of-state) |
None |
How to Pick the Best Computer Engineering School for You
Choosing the right school and program can be overwhelming because there are several things to keep in mind. However, an engineering program that is reputable, accredited, and affordable should be a good option. Below are some key factors to consider when choosing the best computer engineering school.
Quality
The quality of a program refers to the strength of its curriculum, its accreditation, and its reputation. Look for an accredited program that lines up with your interests, as well as a curriculum that explores the necessary concepts that will help you in your field of work.
You can find out whether your program of choice is reputable by researching the school’s professors and alumni networks. You can also look at their school rankings and graduate outcomes.
Internships
Internships and work opportunities are a great way to show future employers that you are prepared for work in the field. You should look for schools that offer internships at relevant organizations. Often, a school located in a thriving tech hub such as Austin, Seattle, or Boston will be your best bet.
Cost
Although it shouldn’t deter you from going to the school of your choice, the cost of a program is an important factor to keep in mind. Financial aid opportunities and scholarships are helpful and can prevent you from accruing debt for your education. Make sure you weigh your options and choose a program that won’t hurt you in the long run.
The Best Computer Engineering Schools of 2021
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering will delve into mathematics, science, and technology. The curricula and accreditation for computer engineering degree programs vary by institution. Below are some of the highest-ranked computer engineering schools in 2021.
Carnegie Mellon University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
N/A
Carnegie Mellon University was established by famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1885. The Pittsburgh institution is a leader in postsecondary education and is a hub for research and innovation. The school’s professional development center is particularly strong, and its alumni have received numerous awards across several fields.
CMU’s computer engineering program is designed to offer students maximum flexibility and marketable skills. Students will learn to solve complex engineering problems and apply their learning in a variety of fields, from public health to economics.
The school’s instructional staff are famous for encouraging students to analyze, experiment, and think freely to take initiative as leaders in tech.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum
Digital systems
Computer architecture and programming
Digital circuit design and analysis
Columbia University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
Yes
Columbia University was founded in 1754 and is located in New York City. The Ivy League institution is ranked the top schools for its college of engineering, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Graduates from Columbia have gone on to produce some of the world’s major inventions and include a wealth of Nobel Prize winners.
Columbia’s computer engineering program focuses on the creation of hardware and software that can be utilized in fields of business, medicine, and many others. Students will delve into the fundamentals of computing and programming in a variety of contexts and will graduate with a highly coveted degree.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Curriculum
Electronic circuits
Signals and systems
Data structures
Duke University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
N/A
Duke University was established in 1838 and is situated in Durham, North Carolina. Not only has the school been a forerunner of academic excellence, but it also has an esteemed athletics department. Duke University’s programming is centered on learning soft skills and global awareness while making positive changes through community service.
Duke’s computer engineering program teaches the mathematical and technical details of computer engineering. Students can bolster their studying with the school’s many learning resources. They can also access hands-on experience through research programs and internships to get a higher career salary later on.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Computer science and mathematics
Internet analysis
Software design and implementation
Georgia Institute of Technology
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Yes
Georgia Institute of Technology was established in 1885 as a public university in the heart of Atlanta. Commonly dubbed “Georgia Tech,” the school is famous for its highly ranked engineering programs. The university is also known for its strong athletic departments and its extensive research programs for students and faculty alike.
Georgia Tech’s computer engineering program is consistently rated as one of the nation’s best. The program is backed by a curriculum designed by professors who are veterans in the field. The school encourages its students to take initiative through research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring great job prospects even before graduation.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Curriculum
Engineering software design
Computer engineering mathematics
Hardware and software programming
School 1
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
Accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Options
N/A
MIT is a private institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has long been a world leader in higher education. MIT’s engineering programs include up-to-date topics and teaching staff made up of industry veterans.
Students enrolled in this dual degree will be able to apply their knowledge in a variety of fields from finance to robotics and access a plethora of internships and research projects. This will help you ace your job interview and get a great position later on.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Curriculum
Machine learning
Ethics
Artificial intelligence
Software systems engineering
Purdue University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Options
Yes
Purdue University was founded in 1869 and is situated in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school is famous for its esteemed programs in engineering and aeronautics, being dubbed the “Cradle of Astronauts.” The school is frequently lauded as one of the best value schools across the nation and features high-ranked athletic programs and organizations.
Students enrolled in Purdue’s computer engineering program will gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computer engineering and implement their learning in lab settings. From cloud platforms to cyber-physical systems, Purdue’s rigorous courses are covered by an instructional staff that is dedicated to seeing students succeed.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Curriculum
Electronic devices and design
Microprocessor systems
C programming
Rice University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Yes
Rice University is a Houston-based private institution that was founded in 1912. Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering is considered one of the best engineering colleges in the nation. Along with its many robust academic programs, Rice offers students a vivacious campus life and a variety of intriguing events and clubs to partake in.
Students enrolled in this program will dive into a curriculum featuring fundamental and advanced computing concepts, from programming simple algorithms to AI implementation. Students attending Rice have lauded their professors as dedicated and effective teachers.
Rice also offers several ancillary programs to aid students in their learning, such as study abroad programs, research projects, and symposiums.
The following courses are included in the curriculum of Rice’s computer science program.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Curriculum
Introduction to Database Systems
Computer Systems Architecture
Advanced High-Speed System Design
Stanford University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission of Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
Yes
Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is situated in California’s famous Bay Area. The school is famous for its attractive campus and its strong academic and athletic departments. Stanford is also noted for its great value and its encouragement of student entrepreneurship.
Stanford’s computer engineering program is taught by a team of renowned instructors and features an outstanding core curriculum. Students receive a strong understanding of foundational and advanced concepts, and can also access extensive research programs.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Computer organization and systems
Artificial intelligence
Experimental robotics
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
Yes
Established in 1865, this school is situated between the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, a few hours away from Chicago. The institution has a strong involvement in both athletics and student life and is considered one of the nation’s top research universities.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s computer engineering program emphasizes hands-on learning through courses such as network design and cognitive computing. Students will also receive a strong understanding of foundational and advanced concepts and can access extensive research programs.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Curriculum
Computer systems and programming
Analog signal processing
Data structures
University of Michigan
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
N/A
The University of Michigan is a large public university founded in 1817 and is frequently ranked as one of the best of its kind. It offers students robust programs in several departments, from medicine to engineering. It is also popular for its vibrant campus life and its ties to the many leading organizations and businesses of Ann Arbor.
The engineering program includes a plethora of resources to aid students in their educational journey. With a strong focus on internships and career development, students can pave their own way as leaders in the realm of computer engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Curriculum
Electronic circuits
Programming
Data structures
How Much Can You Earn as a Computer Engineer?
According to BLS, the median wage for computer and IT occupations was $91,250 in 2020. This is much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950. Furthermore, the demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow by 11 percent by 2029e. Computer engineers have excellent job prospects and high salaries.
With a computer engineering degree, you aren’t restricted to one career path, and you can pursue several different roles. Pursuing a graduate degree may increase your chances of getting a better-paying job. Below are some examples of high-paying roles in computer engineering.
The Highest-Paying Computer Engineer Roles
Why You Should Be a Computer Engineer in 2021
Studying computer engineering can open a world of opportunities for you. From excellent starting salaries to a high demand in the job market, computer engineering has many benefits. Computer engineers can also advance their careers through further study or switch to a variety of different roles in computer science.
Ultimately, what you pursue as a career should line up with your goals and passions. If you’re unsure about a career in computer engineering, take some introductory courses to become more familiar. If you are fascinated by computer systems and love programming, then pursuing this degree can prove to be an excellent decision.