Best colleges for Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($94,722), Oregon Institute of Technology ($82,242) and Full Sail University ($58,321), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY): $94,722, 60 graduates a year
- Oregon Institute of Technology (Klamath Falls, OR): $82,242, 47 graduates a year
- Full Sail University (Winter Park, FL): $58,321, 649 graduates a year
- University of Houston (Houston, TX): $56,527, 45 graduates a year
- Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX): $38,957, 43 graduates a year
Compare 169 U.S. colleges offering Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 39 states.
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $48,829 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 15.12 and the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs
The Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians program focuses on the application of engineering principles to the design and maintenance of computer systems and electronic devices. This program is ideal for students interested in the intersection of technology and engineering, preparing them for a variety of roles in the tech industry. Students will gain practical skills in modifying, maintaining, and repairing electronic systems, making this program suitable for those who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving in a technical environment.
Learn more about Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians →
Core coursework covers essential skills such as reading blueprints, understanding electronic theory, and using precision instruments. Students will also develop knowledge in computers and electronics, mathematics, and design, equipping them with the tools needed for success in the field.
Top 15 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. 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 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $94,722 | 60 | 84% | $28,900 | $23,582 |
| 2 | Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR Public · Bachelor's degree | $82,242 | 47 | 54% | — | $31,000 |
| 3 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $58,321 | 649 | 44% | $32,163 | $25,000 |
| 4 | University of Houston Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $56,527 | 45 | 65% | — | $21,919 |
| 5 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,957 | 43 | 55% | — | $20,375 |
| 6 | Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $70,403 | 4 | 50% | $14,298 | — |
| 7 | University of Houston-Downtown Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $68,144 | 14 | 33% | — | — |
| 8 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $60,339 | 11 | 48% | — | $25,252 |
| 9 | Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, NY Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $58,419 | 10 | 53% | — | — |
| 10 | DeVry University - Illinois Lisle, IL Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online Small program | $48,829 | 12 | 37% | $32,381 | $55,425 |
| 11 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $48,639 | 5 | 43% | — | $25,000 |
| 12 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $46,628 | 2 | 46% | — | $31,000 |
| 13 | CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,744 | 112 | 21% | — | $12,500 |
| 14 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, NY Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $34,637 | 7 | 55% | — | — |
| 15 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon Bayamon, PR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $32,166 | 9 | 35% | $10,334 | — |
Top 10 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH Public · Certificate | $60,462 | 62 | 41% | — | — |
| 2 | ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA Private for-profit · Associate degree | $51,369 | 107 | 42% | $21,909 | $26,460 |
| 3 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MO Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $42,475 | 72 | 53% | $17,520 | $12,000 |
| 4 | Arkansas State University - Beebe Beebe, AR Public · Associate degree | $37,876 | 52 | 42% | — | — |
| 5 | Lorain County Community College Elyria, OH Public · Associate degree | $23,598 | 89 | 31% | — | — |
| 6 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH Public · Associate degree | $56,504 | 21 | 16% | — | $17,246 |
| 7 | Excelsior University Albany, NY Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Online Small program | $56,260 | 15 | — | — | $12,875 |
| 8 | California Institute of Arts & Technology National City, CA Private for-profit · Associate degree Online | $48,778 | 153 | 56% | $34,431 | $21,696 |
| 9 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN Public · Associate degree Small program | $41,158 | 13 | 66% | — | $20,000 |
| 10 | Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $35,970 | 10 | 46% | $17,988 | $13,750 |
Specializations within Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
5 of the 5 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 15.12 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Computer/CIP 15.1202
Computer Systems Technology/ Technician 1,213 graduates / yr67 institutions22 states - Computer Engineering Technology/CIP 15.1201
Technician 951 graduates / yr81 institutions31 states - Computer Engineering Technologies/CIP 15.1299
Technicians partial data719 graduates / yr9 institutions9 states - Computer Software Technology/CIP 15.1204
Technician 480 graduates / yr27 institutions14 states - Computer Hardware Technology/CIP 15.1203
Technician partial data25 graduates / yr5 institutions5 states
Offered across 39 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3023, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians program can expect a stable job outlook, with an annual opening of approximately 8,400 positions. The typical education required is an Associate's degree, and the median wage for professionals in this field is around $77,180. Growth in this sector is projected at 0.6%.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.12.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.12 (Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians) maps to 5 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 15-1251 | Computer Programmers |
| 15-1252 | Software Developers |
| 15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
| 17-3023 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary |
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
- Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
- Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
- Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
- Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
Common questions
What careers can I pursue with this program?+
Graduates can work as computer technicians, hardware specialists, or in related fields involving electronics and computer systems.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, mathematics, and active learning, among others.
What is the typical education level for this field?+
An Associate's degree is typically required for careers in Computer Engineering Technologies.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 8,400 annual openings expected.
How much do Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $48,829, College Scorecard (2019); the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation pays about $80,680 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians?+
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 15.12 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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