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Cheapest Computer Engineering Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Computer Engineering programs span an unusual cost spectrum, from Texas A&M International's $3,061 net price to programs reaching $8,155. This wide range reflects different state funding models and regional economic factors across the country. Ohio's regional campuses dominate the ultra-affordable tier but show concerning graduation rates, with some dropping to just 12.1% at the Chillicothe campus. Meanwhile, University of Florida graduates earn $77,715 annually while maintaining a $6,351 net price, proving that low cost doesn't mean compromised outcomes. The technology sector's expansion across Texas, California, and Florida creates strong demand for computer engineers, with major employers like Dell, Intel, and aerospace companies actively recruiting from these affordable programs. Students can expect starting salaries ranging from $25,194 to $77,715, with California State schools consistently producing graduates earning above $45,000. The data reveals that public institutions in tech-heavy states offer the best value proposition for aspiring computer engineers.
50
Programs
$3,061 – $11,513
Net Price Range
$66,275
Avg. Program Earnings
51.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,071 $4,564 46.7%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
12 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
15 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
16 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
17 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
18 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
19 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
20 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
21 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
22 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
23 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
24 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
25 $9,002 $4,311 35.2%
26 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
27 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
28 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
29 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
30 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
31 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
32 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
33 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
34 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
35 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
36 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
37 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
38 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
39 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
40 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
41 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
42 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
43 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
44 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
45 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
46 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
47 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
48 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
49 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
50 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between the lowest and highest-paying programs?

Graduate earnings range from $25,194 to $77,715, largely reflecting regional job markets and program quality. University of Florida leads with $77,715 despite a modest $6,351 net price, while California State programs consistently produce graduates earning $45,000-$63,000. Regional tech industry concentration plays a major role, as states like Florida, California, and Texas host major technology employers who recruit directly from these programs.

How do Ohio's regional campuses compare to other affordable options?

Ohio University's regional campuses offer rock-bottom net prices around $4,503-$6,483 but struggle with graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%. These programs serve rural areas where completion can be challenging due to limited local tech job opportunities. Students might find better long-term value at California State schools, which cost slightly more at $5,646-$6,480 but deliver graduation rates of 49-69% and strong earnings potential.

Is Snow College a viable option for Computer Engineering despite being a two-year school?

Snow College shows a 46.7% graduation rate at $6,071 net cost, but students should verify transfer pathways to complete a four-year Computer Engineering degree. Many students use two-year programs for foundational coursework before transferring to universities like University of Utah or Utah State. The low in-state tuition of $4,564 makes it attractive for Utah residents seeking an affordable start to their engineering education.

Does attending a less selective school hurt job prospects in Computer Engineering?

California State University-Fresno accepts 95.43% of applicants yet produces graduates earning $63,005, demonstrating that selectivity doesn't determine career success. Similarly, Brigham Young University-Idaho accepts 95.56% while graduates earn $61,516. The technology sector values skills and portfolio work over school prestige, making these accessible programs excellent launching pads for career growth.

Where do the best value Computer Engineering programs cluster geographically?

California and Texas dominate the best-value category, combining low costs with strong job markets. California State schools in Fullerton, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino offer net prices of $5,646-$5,918 while placing graduates in the state's massive tech sector. Texas programs like UT Rio Grande Valley at $6,500 and Texas A&M International at $3,061 serve the growing Austin-San Antonio tech corridor and border region manufacturing sector.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.