Computer Engineering
What Computer Engineering Graduates Do
Your career in computer engineering will likely begin on a software development or quality assurance team. You’ll spend your days writing and refining code in languages like Python or JavaScript, using collaboration tools like Git to manage changes. You might be hunting down bugs logged in a system like Jira or designing automated tests to prevent them. As you gain experience, you’ll progress from executing tasks to designing entire systems and leading projects. This path from a junior developer to a senior engineer or architect brings significant salary growth, with top specialists and managers earning well into the six figures.
The demand for these skills is incredibly strong, with some of the fastest-growing job markets available. While AI tools are changing the field, they are not replacing engineers. AI is becoming a powerful assistant, automating routine coding and testing tasks. This shift allows you to focus on the more complex, human-centric work: understanding user needs, designing robust system architecture, and solving unique problems. Success in this field now includes mastering AI tools to become a more efficient and creative problem-solver.
Best Schools for Computer Engineering
10 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise State University Boise, ID |
78 70–81 |
$77,403/yr | 87.1x |
| 2 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud, MN |
62 50–65 |
$48,263/yr | 32.1x |
| 3 | Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay, WI |
61 50–64 |
$48,263/yr | 29.1x |
| 4 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota Fargo, ND |
60 49–63 |
$48,263/yr | 27.4x |
| 5 | Rasmussen University-Illinois Rockford, IL |
60 49–63 |
$48,263/yr | 25.7x |
| 6 | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster, PA |
60 52–62 |
$48,257/yr | 25.7x |
| 7 | Rasmussen University-Florida Ocala, FL |
59 48–62 |
$48,263/yr | 22.9x |
| 8 | Rasmussen University-Kansas Topeka, KS |
59 48–62 |
$48,263/yr | 22.5x |
| 9 | Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN |
52 43–55 |
$31,111/yr | — |
| 10 | Miller-Motte College-STVT-Arlington Arlington, TX |
52 43–55 |
$31,111/yr | — |
Highest Earning Computer Engineering Programs
Schools where Computer Engineering graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $77,403/yr | 78 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $48,263/yr | 62 |
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | $48,263/yr | 61 |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | $48,263/yr | 60 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $48,263/yr | 60 |
| Rasmussen University-Florida | $48,263/yr | 59 |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | $48,263/yr | 59 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | $48,257/yr | 60 |
| Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga | $31,111/yr | 52 |
| Miller-Motte College-STVT-Arlington | $31,111/yr | 52 |
Best ROI for Computer Engineering
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Computer Engineering.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | 87.1x | $77,403/yr | 78 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | 32.1x | $48,263/yr | 62 |
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | 29.1x | $48,263/yr | 61 |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | 27.4x | $48,263/yr | 60 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | 25.7x | $48,263/yr | 60 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | 25.7x | $48,257/yr | 60 |
| Rasmussen University-Florida | 22.9x | $48,263/yr | 59 |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | 22.5x | $48,263/yr | 59 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Computer Engineering degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.