Top Online Computer Engineering Degrees
Start your Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering with confidence and clarity! Learn about top careers and in-demand skills to cost-saving tips, and expert FAQs.
In 2023, universities across the United States awarded more than 18,973 degrees in Computer Engineering. If you want to design tomorrow’s smart devices and connected systems, an online computer engineering degree or a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering can help you build everything from wearable tech to autonomous vehicles and IoT networks.
Introduction
Jobs for computer hardware engineers are projected to grow 7%, and careers for software developers are projected to grow even faster at 15% from 2024 to 2034. This shows an increasing demand for professionals with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering or an online computer engineering degree.
Earning a computer engineering degree provides knowledge in both hardware and software systems, helping students build innovative solutions like smart devices, embedded systems, and digital networks. This guide will help students understand what a Bachelor of Computer Engineering covers, career opportunities, costs, and how to choose the right program for their future in the tech industry.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering?
A Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering is an undergraduate degree designed for students who want to design, build, and work with computer hardware and software systems. Unlike a pure software degree, this program typically blends elements of electrical engineering (circuits, embedded systems) with computer science (programming, algorithms).
Students take courses in digital logic, microprocessors, computer architecture, circuit design, programming languages, and often learn about networks, embedded systems, and hardware-software integration.
Affordable Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Many universities offer affordable options for a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Below is a list of the most affordable accredited institutions offering a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering.
| Rank | College/University Name | Location State | Type | Fee (In State) | Fee (Out-of-State) | Grad Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah Tech University | Utah | On-Campus | InState($6,074) | outState($17,644) | 34% |
| 2 | Wright State University | Ohio | On-Campus | InState($7,504) | outState($16,922) | 42% |
| 3 | Grand Canyon University | Arizona | On-Campus | TuitionFee($17,450) | – | 43% |
| 4 | Purdue University Northwest | Indiana | On-Campus | InState($8,419) | outState($15,620) | 44% |
| 5 | Old Dominion University | Virginia | On-Campus | InState($12,262) | outState($32,662) | 44% |
| 6 | University of Nevada | Nevada | On-Campus | InState($9,142) | outState($26,098) | 50% |
| 7 | California State University-Sacramento | California | On-Campus | InState($7,602) | outState($19,482) | 56% |
| 8 | Texas State University | Texas | On-Campus | InState($11,450) | outState($23,210) | 56% |
| 9 | Florida Atlantic University | Florida | Online On-Campus | InState($4,879) | outState($17,324) | 64% |
| 10 | Florida Polytechnic University | Florida | On-Campus | InState($4,940) | outState($21,005) | N/A |
| 11 | Kennesaw State University | Georgia | On-Campus | InState($5,786) | outState($17,040) | N/A |
When comparing colleges, consider factors such as annual tuition, cost of living, and availability of scholarships or financial aid.
Best Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Choosing the best bachelor’s in computer engineering depends on your priorities. Below is a short overview of some of the standout Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering programs that are frequently recognized for excellence in faculty, research opportunities, and graduate outcomes.
| Rank | College/University Name | Location State | Type | Fee (In State) | Fee (Out-of-State) | Grad Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida | Florida | Online On-Campus | InState($6,381) | outState($28,659) | 92% |
| 2 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia | On-Campus | InState($11,764) | outState($32,876) | 92% |
| 3 | Villanova University | Pennsylvania | On-Campus | TuitionFee($64,701) | – | 92% |
| 4 | University of Maryland | Maryland | On-Campus | InState($11,505) | outState($40,306) | 89% |
| 5 | New York University | New York | On-Campus | “TuitionFee($60,438 )” | – | 88% |
| 6 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Illinois | On-Campus | TuitionFee($16,004) | – | 85% |
| 7 | Syracuse University | New York | On-Campus | TuitionFee($63,061) | – | 81% |
| 8 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania | On-Campus | TuitionFee($60,663) | – | 77% |
| 9 | University of Central Florida | Florida | On-Campus | InState($6,368) | outState($22,467) | 75% |
| 10 | Florida International University | Florida | Online | InState($6,565) | outState($18,963) | 74% |
| 11 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois | On-Campus | TuitionFee($51,763) | – | 72% |
| 12 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Texas | On-Campus | InState($14,564) | outState($40,064) | 71% |
| 13 | University of the Pacific | California | On-Campus | InState() | outState() | 68% |
Admission Requirements for BS in Computer Engineering
Admission into a BS Computer Engineering program requires a strong foundation in math and science, along with a passion for innovation and analytical problem-solving. Although requirements vary by university, the general eligibility criteria for both on-campus and online computer engineering degree programs include:
1. High School Diploma or GED
Applicants must have completed secondary education or hold an equivalent credential. A background in mathematics and physics is especially valued.
2. Minimum GPA Requirement
Most institutions expect a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Highly competitive programs may require a higher GPA.
3. Standardized Test Scores
Many schools accept SAT or ACT scores, though several online computer engineering degree programs have become test-optional, focusing instead on academic transcripts and personal statements.
4. Mathematics and Science Prerequisites
Coursework in Algebra, Calculus, Physics, and Computer Science forms the foundation of your admission evaluation. Some universities also prefer applicants with prior exposure to programming languages such as Java, Go, PHP, or Python.
5. Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement
These provide insight into your motivation, teamwork skills, and readiness for an engineering-focused curriculum.
6. English Proficiency (for International Students)
Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Many institutions also accept Duolingo English Test scores for online applicants.
7. Accreditation Verification
Always ensure your program is accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or listed under the U.S. Department of Education’s Accredited Institutions Database.
Accreditation ensures your computer engineering degree is recognized by employers and licensing boards across the state.
Degree Options
A Bachelor of Computer Engineering can be customized to align with specific interests and career paths. The standard BS Computer Engineering degree usually spans 120-130 credit hours and takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Many online programs allow part-time study, enabling students to graduate at their own pace.
Here are the most common degree pathways and concentrations offered by U.S. universities:
Why Get a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering?
Earning a bachelor’s in computer engineering is a strategic step toward one of the most lucrative and future-proof careers in the technology landscape. This degree equips students with the ability to design, build, and optimize the systems that power our modern world, from smartphones and microprocessors to self-driving cars.
Here’s why it’s a smart investment:
Why Take an Online Computer Engineering Degree?
Choosing an online computer engineering degree provides unparalleled flexibility without compromising academic quality. Modern online programs mirror their on-campus counterparts in both curriculum and rigor, and many are ABET-accredited, ensuring full recognition by employers and professional organizations.
- Flexibility and Accessibility: Online learning allows students to study from anywhere, at their own pace. Whether you’re a working professional, a parent, or living far from major universities, online programs remove the barriers of location and schedule.
- Cost-Effective Learning: An affordable bachelor’s degree in computer engineering online can help reduce total educational expenses. Without the need for on-campus housing or commuting, students can save thousands of dollars.
- Hands-On Virtual Labs: Reputable online programs include virtual laboratories and simulation-based coursework. Students can build and test circuits, program microcontrollers, and engage in real-world projects through remote software and hardware kits shipped to their homes.
- Career-Ready Curriculum: Online programs are designed with working students in mind. They emphasize project-based learning, team collaboration, and industry partnerships, preparing graduates for immediate job placement. Many universities also provide access to career support services, virtual internships, and networking events with top employers.
- Equal Recognition: Employers now value online computer engineering degrees equally with traditional degrees, especially when they are from accredited institutions. The key factor is the accreditation, and ABET ensures that online graduates meet the same professional standards as on-campus students.
Jobs for Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Graduates with a bachelor’s in computer engineering can pursue diverse, high-paying roles across industries like software development, telecommunications, robotics, and manufacturing.
Here are some popular career paths and their median annual wages.
| Job Title | Job Description | Average Annual Median Salary, USD (May, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Designs, develops, tests, and refines computer systems and components, such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and ensures integration with software systems. | $155,020 |
| Software Developer | Creates software applications, system software, or embedded software; may work closely with hardware engineers; tests, updates, and maintains codebases and applications. | $131,450 |
| Computer Support Specialist | Provides technical assistance to users by troubleshooting and resolving hardware, software, and network issues. This role involves guiding users through solutions, installing, and maintaining computer systems. | $61,550 |
| Systems Engineer / Computer Systems Analyst | Evaluates and improves computer systems (hardware and software) for organizations; integrates subsystems and optimizes workflows between engineering and business teams. | $103,790 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer / Information Security Analyst | Protects systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks; designs secure hardware/software architectures, monitors threats, and implements protection measures. | $124,910 |
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Specializes in designing hardwaresoftware integrated systems, such as microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, IoT devices, and firmware development. | $132,267 |
| Robotics Engineer | Develops intelligent machines and autonomous systems that combine hardware, software, sensors, and control systems; works in manufacturing, research, automation, and aerospace. | $121,175 |
| Data Systems / Artificial Intelligence Engineer | Uses computer engineering foundations to build data pipelines, machine-learning hardware-software systems, edge-computing solutions, and AI interfaces in hardware-software ecosystems. | $136,20 |
A Bachelor of Computer Engineering, whether earned on-campus or online, offers a gateway to some of the most dynamic and well-paid careers in technology today. With growing demand, competitive salaries, and flexible learning options, pursuing a BS in Computer Engineering can position graduates for long-term professional success.
Whether you are exploring affordable programs or top-ranked universities, take the next step by researching accredited options that align with your career goals and budget.
FAQ’s
▶ Is computer engineering BS or BA?
Computer engineering is typically offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) because it involves intensive technical coursework in math, programming, and electronics. A BS in Computer Engineering emphasizes analytical and practical problem-solving skills suited for engineering careers.
▶ Which pays more, computer science or computer engineering?
Typically, professionals in computer science tend to earn higher average salaries compared to those in computer engineering. This gap often exists because a greater number of computer scientists pursue graduate-level education, while many computer engineers stop at a bachelor’s degree. Still, your individual earnings depend on several factors, including your skills, qualifications, where you work, and the industry you choose.
▶ Does computer engineering require coding?
Yes. A Bachelor of Computer engineering includes programming fundamentals such as C++, Python, Java, and Assembly. Coding is essential for designing and testing hardware-software systems. While not as code-intensive as computer science, you’ll still need a solid understanding of programming to succeed.
▶ Where do computer engineers work?
Computer engineers work across multiple industries, including:
- Technology firms (hardware and software design)
- Aerospace and defense organizations
- Telecommunications companies
- Healthcare technology and biomedical firms
- Manufacturing and robotics companies
Many roles also allow remote or hybrid work setups, especially for graduates with an online computer engineering degree.
