Computer Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computer Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates principles from electrical engineering and computer science to design, develop, and optimize computing systems. This program prepares students to work at the intersection of hardware and software, equipping them with the skills to innovate in areas ranging from embedded systems to advanced computing architectures.
- Hardware-Software Integration: Focuses on the seamless interaction between physical components and system software, ensuring efficient operation across diverse computing platforms.
- Embedded Systems Design: Involves creating specialized computing systems for dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems, such as in automotive or medical devices.
- Microprocessor Architecture: Explores the internal structure and functionality of microprocessors, including instruction sets, pipeline design, and performance optimization.
- Computer Networks and Communication: Covers the design and analysis of data transmission systems, including protocols, network security, and real-time communication frameworks.
- Digital System Design: Centers on the development of logic circuits and digital components using hardware description languages and programmable logic devices.
- Real-Time Systems: Addresses the design and implementation of systems that must respond to inputs within strict time constraints, critical in industrial automation and robotics.
- Power-Efficient Computing: Emphasizes techniques to minimize energy consumption in computing devices, essential for mobile, IoT, and edge computing applications.
Computer Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computer Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computer Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Computer Network Architects and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 427,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Computer Network Architects 15-1241 | $130,390 | $79,520 - $198,030 | 177,010 | $62.69 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Computer Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $111,123 in Mississippi to $156,433 in California—a 41% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Washington, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 427,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computer Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering Computer Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computer Engineering is found at University of New Haven (UNH) (163 graduates), Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico (60 graduates), Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) (51 graduates), University of California (UCI), Irvine (31 graduates), and University of Alabama (UAH), Huntsville (29 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 404 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Haven (UNH) |
Master's
|
163 | West Haven, Connecticut | Private | newhaven.edu |
| Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico |
Bachelor's
|
60 | Hato Rey, Puerto Rico | Private | pupr.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
|
31 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAH) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | uah.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
|
6 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Lawrence Technological University (LTU) |
Master's
|
4 | Southfield, Michigan | Private | ltu.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| Oakland Community College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Auburn Hills, Michigan | Public | oaklandcc.edu |
| Gannon University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | gannon.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of New Orleans (UNO) |
Other Award
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | new.uno.edu |
| University of Tulsa (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | utulsa.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computer Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Computer Engineering degree?
Salaries for Computer Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Computer Network Architects earn around $130,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $156,433 compared to $111,123 in Mississippi. Approximately 427,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computer Engineering programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer Computer Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of New Haven (UNH) (163 graduates), Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico (60 graduates), and Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) (51 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Computer Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 150 in 2010 to 404 in 2023-24. This represents a 169% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Computer Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Computer Network Architects, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 427,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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