Best colleges for Computer Engineering in North Carolina
Ranked by graduate earnings
Duke University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh and North Carolina A & T State University are the top bachelor's Computer Engineering programs in North Carolina by graduate earnings. Duke University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $111,145, College Scorecard. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Duke University and University of North Carolina at Charlotte award the most Computer Engineering degrees in North Carolina: 337, 164 and 75 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 6 North Carolina colleges offer Computer Engineering and award 630 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer Engineering program combines principles of computer science and engineering, focusing on the design and development of computer hardware and software systems. This program is ideal for students interested in the intersection…
Top 4 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University Durham Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $111,145 | 164 | 97% | $16,260 | $14,500 |
| 2 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh Public · Bachelor's degree | $82,997 | 337 | 85% | — | $24,250 |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro Public · Bachelor's degree | $80,685 | 26 | 57% | — | $31,000 |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte Public · Bachelor's degree | $71,117 | 75 | 69% | — | $21,875 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer Engineering degrees in North Carolina
Top 6 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh Public | 337 | $82,997 |
| 2 | Duke University Durham Private not-for-profit | 164 | $111,145 |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte Public | 75 | $71,117 |
| 4 | North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro Public | 26 | $80,685 |
| 5 | East Carolina University Greenville Public | 25 | Not reported |
| 6 | Johnson C Smith University Charlotte Private not-for-profit | 3 | Not reported |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Computer Hardware Engineers (SOC 17-2061).
Top skills
What Computer Hardware Engineers earn in North Carolina
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Computer Engineering programs in North Carolina.
Which North Carolina colleges award the most Computer Engineering degrees?+
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (337 graduates a year), Duke University (164 graduates a year) and University of North Carolina at Charlotte (75 graduates a year) award the most Computer Engineering degrees in North Carolina, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 6 North Carolina colleges offer Computer Engineering.
What is the best college for Computer Engineering in North Carolina?+
By graduate earnings, Duke University leads among bachelor's Computer Engineering programs in North Carolina, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $111,145, College Scorecard. North Carolina State University at Raleigh and North Carolina A & T State University follow. By degrees awarded, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the largest, with 337 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Computer Engineering program in North Carolina has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Duke University tops the list at $111,145. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Computer Hardware Engineers earn in North Carolina?+
The average annual wage for Computer Hardware Engineers in North Carolina is $144,050 (median $134,670), across about 1,340 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Computer Engineering program?+
The Computer Engineering program combines principles of computer science and engineering, focusing on the design and development of computer hardware and software systems. This program is ideal for students interested in the intersection…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Computer Hardware Engineers?+
The national job outlook is about +7.3% growth with around 4,700 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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