Computer Engineer Schools : Top 100 Programs in the USA for 2025
Computer engineer schools in the USA are at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advances in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and more. These institutions offer world-class programs that blend hardware and software expertise, giving students the tools to thrive in high-demand careers with companies like Google, Intel, and Microsoft. With strong foundations in both electrical engineering and computer science, computer engineer schools prepare students to solve real-world challenges through cutting-edge design and development.
From machine learning to embedded systems, students at top computer engineer schools benefit from hands-on research, state-of-the-art labs, and direct industry connections. These programs also offer opportunities to specialize in fast-growing tech fields and build professional networks early. In this blog, we explore the top 100 computer engineer schools in the USA for 2025, featuring their standout programs, innovative research, and the success of their alumni in today’s competitive tech landscape.
Computer Engineer Schools
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Why Choose Computer Engineering Schools?
Computer engineer schools in the USA provide world-class education, expert faculty, and strong tech industry connections. Students master hardware and software integration through advanced labs and real-world projects, preparing for high-demand careers in tech giants like Google, Apple, and Intel. These programs offer specializations in AI, embedded systems, and more, ensuring graduates are industry-ready and equipped for the future.
Computer engineering drives innovation in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and beyond, and the USA hosts some of the world’s top computer engineer schools. These institutions offer cutting-edge research, deep industry partnerships, and immersive hands-on learning environments. This blog highlights the top 100 computer engineer schools in 2025, perfect for students passionate about shaping the future of technology through innovation and impact.
Top 100 Computer Engineering Schools in the USA 2025
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT’s EECS department, a global leader among computer engineering schools, excels in AI, quantum computing, and systems design with hands-on research.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM backgrounds
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$83,600/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web
2. Stanford University
Stanford, a top computer engineering school, focuses on hardware, networks, and robotics, with strong Silicon Valley ties for internships.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$82,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Restrictive Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google
Learn more about Stanford Computer Science
3. Carnegie Mellon University
CMU’s School of Computer Science, a premier computer engineering school, is renowned for cybersecurity and hardware design research.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$83,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Andy Bechtolsheim, Sun Microsystems co-founder
Learn more about CMU Computer Science
4. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley’s EECS program, a leading computer engineering school, offers research in embedded systems and AI with Silicon Valley proximity.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$48,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder
Learn more about UC Berkeley EECS
5. California Institute of Technology
Caltech’s small-class computer engineering school excels in computational mathematics and hardware design with personalized research.
Eligibility: High school graduates with exceptional STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$85,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Carver Mead, pioneer in VLSI design
Learn more about Caltech Computer Science
6. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
UIUC’s Grainger College, a top computer engineering school, is known for computer architecture and large-scale research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$41,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Marc Andreessen, Netscape co-founder
7. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
UMich’s EECS program, a leading computer engineering school, excels in AI and hardware systems with robust industry partnerships.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$63,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Larry Page, Google co-founder
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech’s computer engineering school offers strong programs in cybersecurity and computer architecture with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$34,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: October (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Jeff Dean, Google AI lead
Learn more about Georgia Tech ECE
9. University of California, San Diego
UCSD’s computer engineering school focuses on embedded systems and machine learning with strong tech industry connections.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$47,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: Andrew Ng, AI pioneer
10. University of Texas, Austin
UT Austin’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with extensive research and tech hub proximity.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$41,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: October (Priority), December (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Michael Dell, Dell Technologies founder
Learn more about UT Austin ECE
11. Purdue University
Purdue’s computer engineering school is renowned for systems design and cybersecurity with strong industry ties.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong math/science skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$41,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Neil Armstrong, astronaut (engineering background)
12. University of Washington
UW’s computer engineering school in Seattle offers research in AI and embedded systems with tech industry connections.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$42,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder
13. Cornell University
Cornell’s computer engineering school excels in hardware systems and AI with interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$84,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Bill Nye, science communicator (engineering background)
14. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware design with strong tech industry partnerships.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$47,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: Vinton Cerf, internet pioneer
15. University of Wisconsin, Madison
UW-Madison’s computer engineering school offers research in computer architecture and AI with strong industry ties.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$42,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: John Bardeen, transistor co-inventor
Learn more about UW-Madison ECE
16. University of Maryland, College Park
UMD’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and embedded systems with robust research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$41,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Sergey Brin, Google co-founder
17. University of Southern California
USC’s computer engineering school in LA focuses on AI and hardware design with strong industry connections.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$85,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Neil Siegel, GPS innovator
18. University of California, Santa Barbara
UCSB’s computer engineering school offers research in computer architecture and embedded systems with coastal tech hub access.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$47,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: Alan Kay, GUI pioneer
19. University of California, Davis
UC Davis’ computer engineering school excels in hardware systems and AI with sustainability-focused research.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$47,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: John Hennessy, former Stanford president
20. University of California, Irvine
UC Irvine’s computer engineering school focuses on embedded systems and cybersecurity with strong tech industry ties.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$47,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November
Notable Alumni: Roy Fielding, REST architecture creator
Learn more about UC Irvine EECS
21. Princeton University
Princeton’s computer engineering school offers a liberal arts approach with research in AI and hardware systems.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$85,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder
22. University of Pennsylvania
Penn’s computer engineering school excels in AI and hardware design with interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$85,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Elon Musk, Tesla/SpaceX CEO
23. Columbia University
Columbia’s computer engineering school in NYC focuses on AI and cybersecurity with urban tech hub access.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$85,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Robert Moog, synthesizer inventor
24. Duke University
Duke’s computer engineering school offers research in AI and hardware systems with strong job placement rates.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$84,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Melinda Gates, philanthropist
25. Northwestern University
Northwestern’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with interdisciplinary projects.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$85,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Edwin Catmull, Pixar co-founder
Learn more about Northwestern ECE
26. Johns Hopkins University
JHU’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and cybersecurity with biomedical applications.
Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$83,000/year (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Decision), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Michael Bloomberg, Bloomberg LP founder
27. University of Virginia
UVA’s computer engineering school offers research in hardware systems and cybersecurity with collaborative projects.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$60,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder
28. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
UNC’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware design with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong academic records
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$39,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: October (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Paul Jones, internet archive founder
29. University of Florida
UF’s computer engineering school excels in hardware systems and AI with strong research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$30,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), March (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Tim Cook, Apple CEO
30. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
UMN’s computer engineering school offers research in computer architecture and AI with industry connections.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$37,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Seymour Cray, supercomputer pioneer
31. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M’s computer engineering school excels in hardware systems and cybersecurity with strong industry ties.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$41,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: October (Early Action), December (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Robert Metcalfe, Ethernet inventor
Learn more about Texas A&M ECE
32. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s computer engineering school focuses on embedded systems and AI with hands-on projects.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$36,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Regina Dugan, former DARPA director
Learn more about Virginia Tech ECE
33. North Carolina State University
NC State’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and cybersecurity with strong industry partnerships.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$32,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: John Palmour, Wolfspeed co-founder
34. Ohio State University
OSU’s computer engineering school offers research in AI and hardware systems with extensive industry connections.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$38,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Curtis Priem, NVIDIA co-founder
35. University of Colorado, Boulder
CU Boulder’s computer engineering school focuses on embedded systems and AI with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$43,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Scott Carpenter, astronaut (engineering background)
Learn more about CU Boulder ECEE
36. University of Utah
Utah’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with tech hub connections.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), April (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Nolan Bushnell, Atari founder
37. University of Arizona
Arizona’s computer engineering school offers research in cybersecurity and hardware systems with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$39,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Jerry Sanders, AMD founder
38. Arizona State University
ASU’s computer engineering school excels in AI and embedded systems with strong industry partnerships.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), Rolling
Notable Alumni: Kevin Rose, Digg founder
39. University of Central Florida
UCF’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$30,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), May (Regular)
Notable Alumni: John C. Malone, Liberty Media CEO
Computer Engineer Schools
40. University of South Florida
USF’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and hardware design with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$30,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), March (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Mark Dean, IBM PC co-inventor
41. University of Houston
UHouston’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with strong industry ties.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$28,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), May (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Jack Kilby, integrated circuit inventor
42. University of Texas, Dallas
UT Dallas’ computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with tech hub proximity.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$41,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: December (Early Action), May (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Anousheh Ansari, space tourist
Learn more about UT Dallas ECE
43. University of Texas, San Antonio
UTSA’s computer engineering school focuses on cybersecurity and hardware systems with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$34,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: December (Priority), June (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Bruce McCandless, astronaut (engineering background)
44. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
UMass Amherst’s computer engineering school excels in AI and hardware design with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$39,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Jack Welch, former GE CEO
Learn more about UMass Amherst ECE
45. University of Pittsburgh
Pitt’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with strong research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$39,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Wangari Maathai, Nobel laureate (studied at Pitt)
46. University of Tennessee, Knoxville
UT Knoxville’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and cybersecurity with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), December (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Min Kao, Garmin co-founder
Learn more about UT Knoxville ECE
47. University of Georgia
UGA’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with growing research programs.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: October (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Charlene Le, tech entrepreneur
Learn more about UGA Engineering
48. University of Nebraska, Lincoln
UNL’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$30,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate (studied at UNL)
49. University of Arkansas
UArk’s computer engineering school focuses on cybersecurity and hardware systems with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$30,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), August (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner (engineering background)
50. University of Kentucky
UK’s computer engineering school excels in AI and hardware design with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: December (Priority), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Ashley Judd, actress (studied at UK)
51. University of Alabama
UA’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$32,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Joe Namath, NFL legend (studied at UA)
52. University of Oklahoma
OU’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and hardware design with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$31,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: December (Priority), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Tom Love, Love’s Travel Stops founder
53. University of Kansas
KU’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$30,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Don Graham, Washington Post publisher
54. University of Missouri
Mizzou’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Brad Pitt, actor (studied at Mizzou)
55. Iowa State University
Iowa State’s computer engineering school focuses on cybersecurity and hardware systems with strong industry ties.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM preparation
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$31,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: George Washington Carver, scientist (studied at Iowa State)
Learn more about Iowa State ECE
56. University of Iowa
Iowa’s computer engineering school excels in AI and hardware design with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$33,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: May (Priority)
Notable Alumni: Gene Wilder, actor (studied at Iowa)
57. University of Delaware
UD’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$39,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Joe Biden, U.S. President
58. University of Connecticut
UConn’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and hardware design with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$43,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: January (Priority)
Notable Alumni: Rebecca Lobo, WNBA star (studied at UConn)
59. University of Vermont
UVM’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with sustainability emphasis.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$47,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), January (Regular)
Notable Alumni: John Dewey, philosopher (studied at UVM)
60. University of New Hampshire
UNH’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$38,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Early Action), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Lee Morin, astronaut (engineering background)
61. University of Maine
Maine’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$35,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Paul Mayewski, climate scientist
62. University of Rhode Island
URI’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and hardware design with coastal access.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$36,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: December (Early Action), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Christiane Amanpour, journalist (studied at URI)
63. University of Nevada, Reno
UNR’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$26,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: November (Priority), February (Regular)
Notable Alumni: Steve Fossett, adventurer (studied at UNR)
64. University of New Mexico
UNM’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$27,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Brian Sandoval, former Nevada governor
65. University of Idaho
UI’s computer engineering school focuses on cybersecurity and hardware systems with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$28,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor
66. University of Wyoming
UW’s computer engineering school excels in AI and hardware design with low tuition costs.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$22,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Dick Cheney, former U.S. Vice President
67. Montana State University
MSU’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$29,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Lester Hogan, Motorola executive
68. University of Montana
UM’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and hardware design with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$28,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Jeff Ament, Pearl Jam bassist
69. North Dakota State University
NDSU’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with low tuition costs.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$26,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Doug Burgum, North Dakota governor
70. University of North Dakota
UND’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$27,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Karen Nyberg, astronaut
71. South Dakota State University
SDSU’s computer engineering school focuses on cybersecurity and hardware systems with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$26,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Adam Vinatieri, NFL kicker
72. University of South Dakota
USD’s computer engineering school excels in AI and hardware design with low tuition costs.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$26,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Tom Brokaw, journalist
73. West Virginia University
WVU’s computer engineering school focuses on hardware systems and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$28,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Don Knotts, actor
74. University of Alaska, Fairbanks
UAF’s computer engineering school excels in cybersecurity and hardware design with research opportunities.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$27,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Syun-Ichi Akasofu, aurora researcher
75. University of Hawaii at Hilo
UH Hilo’s computer engineering school focuses on AI and hardware systems with unique island setting.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$28,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Robert Ballard, oceanographer
Learn more about UH Hilo Engineering
76. Boise State University
BSU’s computer engineering school excels in hardware design and AI with affordable tuition.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$27,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni: Butch Otter, former Idaho governor
77. Utah Valley University
UVU’s computer engineering school focuses on cybersecurity and hardware systems with low tuition costs.
Eligibility: High school graduates with STEM skills
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: ~$24,000/year (out-of-state, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Notable Alumni
Computer Engineer Schools
What to Look for in Top Computer Engineer Schools
When researching top computer engineer schools, it is essential to look beyond national rankings. Focus on what each program offers in terms of curriculum, faculty expertise, and access to advanced technologies. The best computer engineer schools offer strong foundations in both hardware and software, while also allowing students to specialize in areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or embedded systems. A flexible and forward-thinking curriculum can make a big difference in how well you are prepared for your future career.
Many leading computer engineer schools also provide hands-on research opportunities, internships with tech companies, and access to startup incubators or innovation labs. These real-world experiences help students apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges and build a professional network while still in college. Whether you plan to pursue graduate study or enter the workforce right after graduation, choosing a program with strong academic and industry integration is key to long-term success.
Alumni Success from Computer Engineering Schools
MIT’s computer engineering school equipped me with the vision to create the World Wide Web. The rigorous coursework and collaborative research environment were instrumental in my success.
— Tim Berners-Lee, MIT Alumnus, Inventor of the World Wide Web
Stanford’s computer engineering school fostered my passion for AI and leadership. The hands-on projects and Silicon Valley connections prepared me to lead Google as CEO.
— Sundar Pichai, Stanford Alumnus, CEO of Google
UC Berkeley’s computer engineering school gave me the technical foundation to co-found Apple. The innovative culture and cutting-edge labs inspired me to revolutionize personal computing.
— Steve Wozniak, UC Berkeley Alumnus, Co-Founder of Apple
Carnegie Mellon’s computer engineering school shaped my expertise in systems design. The research opportunities and faculty mentorship led me to co-found Sun Microsystems.
— Andy Bechtolsheim, CMU Alumnus, Co-Founder of Sun Microsystems
Conclusion : Finding the Best Computer Engineering Schools
Computer engineer schools in the USA offer unparalleled opportunities for students passionate about technology and innovation. From cutting-edge research facilities to strong industry connections, these institutions equip students with the skills needed to lead in fields like AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and beyond. The top 100 computer engineer schoolsfeatured here provide a wide range of programs, affordable options, and a track record of producing successful graduates across the tech industry.
Whether your goal is to drive innovation at a leading tech company or launch your own startup, attending one of these top computer engineer schools is a powerful step toward a transformative career. Explore their programs, learn from alumni experiences, and find the perfect fit to shape your future in tech. The right school will not only teach you to build systems, it will help you build a future.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10-session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
