The best schools for hardware engineering provide a comprehensive curriculum filled with technical and soft skills. As a prospective student, it is important that you research thoroughly before you apply for admission to any school to get the best out of your education. You will need to consider your long-term goals to choose the best hardware engineering schools for your needs.
There are several factors that come into play when you are choosing the best hardware engineering universities. These factors include your current level of education, financial situation, career goals, and location. This article is your complete guide to picking the best hardware engineering colleges because it puts all these factors and more into consideration.
Best Hardware Engineering College and University Rankings: Top 10 Hardware Engineering Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | CA | In-person, online, hybrid | 9 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person, online, hybrid | 25 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person | 2 |
| Oakland University | MI | In-person | 299-391 |
| Ohio State University | OH | In-person | 49 |
| Princeton University | NJ | In-person, online, hybrid | 1 |
| Rice University | TX | In-person, online, hybrid | 17 |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person, online, hybrid | 6 |
| University of Tennessee | TN | In-person | 103 |
| Utah State University | UT | In-person | 249 |
Hardware Engineering School Rankings: Best Hardware Engineering Colleges and Universities
Based on the table above, the list below contains more details about the best schools for hardware engineering. This should give you a glimpse of the programs offered by each school so you can decide if any of these options are a good fit.
The Best Schools for Hardware Engineering: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for hardware engineering offer a range of programs at different levels. Some of these programs include associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, professional certificates, and doctorates in hardware engineering. Below, we explain the differences between these options.
Hardware Engineering Community College Certificate
A community college certificate is a post-secondary certificate of completion offered by a community college after the requirements for learning are met. For hardware engineering, these certificates usually involve hands-on participation or apprenticeship programs that give students entry-level job-specific skills. A college certificate program may last between 6 months or two years depending on the school and specialization.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Hardware Engineering Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate degree that is typically awarded by a community college. However, some 4-year universities also offer associate degrees. In the United States, an associate degree is the stepping stone for every other college degree and can be used to advance into a bachelor’s degree program.
The credit requirement for an Associate Degree in Hardware Engineering ranges between 60 and 80 units and you can transfer these units into a bachelor’s degree program. Note that the school has to be accredited for degree transfer to work.
Hardware Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s Degree in Hardware Engineering is the most popular option in the field. It is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for the theoretical and practical aspects of hardware engineering. It usually runs for four years full-time but there are accelerated and part-time options available in some schools.
The knowledge you get during a bachelor’s degree program is enough to kick off a long-lasting career in hardware engineering. You can access a variety of jobs without ever having to advance your education.
Hardware Engineering Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree in Hardware Engineering is an advanced degree that allows students to specialize in the areas of hardware engineering that interest them most. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for a master’s degree. It runs for about two years but could last longer or take less time depending on the school.
There are thesis and non-thesis options for master’s degree programs in hardware engineering. The credit requirement could be 30 or more and you may need some professional working experience to qualify for a master’s degree.
Hardware Engineering Graduate Certificate
A hardware engineering graduate certificate is an advanced certificate that is awarded to professionals who want to further their careers. Graduate certificates in hardware engineering are different from community college certificates.
These graduate certificates can last for six to twenty-four months and it holds a similar professional reputation as a master’s degree. After completing your graduate certificate coursework, you must prove that you have the specialized skills you need to advance your career before the certificate is awarded.
Hardware Engineering Doctorate
A Doctorate in Hardware Engineering is a graduate program for people who already have a master’s degree but wish to explore research and academia in hardware engineering. It may last for up to four years to six years. A doctorate could either be a Doctor of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Hardware Engineering.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
[query_class_embed] *degree-vs-*degree
Best Hardware Engineering Schools: Other Hardware Engineering University Rankings
The best hardware engineering schools have their strengths in different areas. While some schools may be ideal for undergraduate degrees and certificates, others are better for graduate options. Below is a list of some of the top options you should consider for hardware engineering training. Some offer great online programs while others are strictly on-campus.
Best Online Hardware Engineering Schools
- Florida International University. This is a public research school founded in 1965. FIU Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering that has a credit requirement of 128. Everything from the initial application to the completion of the program takes place online.
- Grantham University. Grantham University is another great option for online learning. It offers a computer engineering technology bachelor’s degree. The school was founded in 1951 and has four main colleges with many departments within.
- Old Dominion University. This school was founded in 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia. It is renowned for its international student body thanks to the online degrees. The Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering covers hardware engineering, software engineering, data analytics, and computer networks.
Best Community Colleges for Hardware Engineering
- Daytona State University. This school was founded in 1957 and is one of the best community colleges in the Florida school system. The Associate of Science in Computer Engineering Technology covers robotics, systems engineering, computer network, installation, and repair.
- Nashua Community College. Founded in 1970, Nashua Community College is in New Hampshire. The school offers an Associate of Science in Computer Engineering Technology. The course covers the software and hardware required in computer engineering and the credit requirement ranges from 65 to 66.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. NWTC is a public school that was founded in 1912 in Wisconsin. It offers a transfer-focused Associate Degree in Electrical and Electronics Technology that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Hardware Engineering
- Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Institute of Technology was founded in 1885 as a public research school. It offers an extensive Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. The degree prepares students to become industry leaders and problem solvers.
- Cornell University. Cornell University was founded in 1865 in New York and has grown to become one of the most reputable higher institutions of learning in the world. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering might be the right fit for you.
- University of California Berkeley. UC Berkeley is a flagship university in the United States that was founded in 1868. The land grant university has a notable degree in computer engineering. Its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has a focus on technical, hands-on education.
Best Graduate Schools for Hardware Engineering
- Duke University. Duke University offers an ideal Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering that provides research-focused studies. It is one of the most popular schools in the world and is known for its advanced College of Engineering.
- Northwestern University. Founded in1851, Northwestern University is a private research university that offers a master’s degree and PhD in Computer Engineering. It is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world and has impressive research facilities.
- University of California, Irvine. UCI is another popular university in the United States that was founded in 1965. The land-grant research university has a wide range of programs including graduate programs in computer engineering. Students can choose between the electrical engineering concentration and the computer engineering concentration.
Best Hardware Engineering Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- University of California Berkeley | Combined Bachelor and Master in Electrical and Computer Science. This is a five-year degree that allows students to dive into an advanced degree without reapplying. It is an ideal option for anyone who intends to pursue a PhD in the future.
- University of Houston – Clear Lake | Accelerated Bachelor/Master’s Degree. UHCL was founded in 1974 as a public university. You will need a GPA of 3.0 to get admitted into the accelerated program. You will also need to maintain a 3.0 GPA during the program to graduate with your peers in five years.
- The University of Utah | Combine Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering. The University of Utah is another great option that offers combined bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering. The school was founded in 1850 and has gained a reputation as a powerhouse for sports and research.
Best Schools With Accelerated Hardware Engineering Programs
- Northwestern University | Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This is one of the best schools for an accelerated computer engineering bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. Instead of spending four years in a bachelor’s degree program and two years in a master’s degree program, you can complete both in a total of five years.
- California State University – Fullerton | Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. This is one of the few reputable programs that offer an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree that can be completed in just four years. The syllabus is extensive and you will need to spend more than the required time for a standard bachelor’s degree learning but you will get the knowledge you need.
- Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. This is a five-year accelerated program offered by the Illinois Institute of Technology. It prepares students for careers in systems engineering, network engineering, and high-performance computing engineering, among others.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
[query_class_embed] colleges-that-don’t-require-*modifier
Is Graduate School for Hardware Engineering Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for hardware engineering if you want to advance your career by specializing in one branch of hardware engineering. With a graduate degree, you may have access to more lucrative career opportunities. It is also a good opportunity to dive into research work in the hardware engineering field.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Hardware Engineering Degree?
The jobs you can do with a hardware engineering degree include hardware verification engineer, lead hardware engineer, hardware security engineer, digital hardware engineer, or hardware engineer manager. You can also dive into software engineering, product management, and other forms of information technology.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Hardware Engineering?
You can earn an average of $88,799 annually as a hardware engineer according to PayScale. The salary could range from $65,000 to $147, 000 annually depending on your degree type, experience level, job description, and the company in question. Hardware engineers also enjoy bonuses that range from $1,000 to $19,000 annually.
Highest-Paying Hardware Engineering Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $152,350 | 9 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 | 25 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $128,170 | 2 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $122,270 | 299-391 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 | 49 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $101,780 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,300 | 17 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 | 6 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologist and Technician | Associate degree | $63,640 | 103 |
| Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologist and Technician | Associate degree | $60,360 | 249 |
Best Jobs With a Hardware Engineering Degree
The best jobs with a hardware engineering degree are computer hardware engineering, architectural engineering, aerospace engineering, and mechanical engineering. Some other options are computer and information research scientists and electrical engineering.
How Can I Pay for Hardware Engineering School?
You can pay for your hardware engineering school upfront out of pocket, or apply for federal financial aid, scholarships, or private student loans. The cost of a hardware engineering degree is high in the United States, so most students ease the cost burden by choosing one or several forms of financial aid.
- Upfront. If you have a personal college fund, you can pay for your tuition out of pocket. While it might seem like an expensive option, it is cheaper than taking a loan or being stuck with hundreds of thousands in student debt after graduation.
- Federal Financial Aid. There is a wide range of federal financial aid available in different categories, including tech. This financial aid could be performance-based or need-based. It may cover your entire tuition or only a fraction of your tuition.
- Loan. Apart from the federal financial aid, there are non-governmental organizations that offer student loans to people chasing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students are required to repay the loans with interest after a given period.
- Scholarship. There are academic and athletic scholarships offered by governmental and non-governmental organizations to students pursuing hardware engineering and other STEM fields degrees. You do not need to repay a scholarship after you graduate but may need to return it if you drop out.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*subject-school
Choosing the Best Hardware Engineering School for You
To choose the best hardware engineering school for you, you should consider accreditation, curriculum value, and outcomes. Learning how the school is making progress on these fronts is a good way to determine if it is the right fit.
Accreditation
This is the most important thing you need to check when you are looking for a hardware engineering school. In the United States, only schools with accreditation are considered legitimate because the accrediting body ensures that the school is held to high standards. It will also be difficult for you to further your education if the school you attend is not regionally accredited.
Curriculum Value
What will you be learning during the program? Is the curriculum in line with your career goals? Find out what the school will teach you during the program and make sure that it is teaching in-demand subjects. The technology industry is evolving rapidly and what you learn has to be the most updated version.
Outcomes
Most universities have a page dedicated to posting outcomes. It contains details about the success stories of students who have completed the program and the job opportunities they enjoyed. Schools with more positive job outcomes and student success tend to be held in high esteem in the job market.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-bachelors-degrees
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Hardware Engineering?
Yes, it matters which college you attend for hardware engineering. When you are going through the best schools for hardware engineering, look out for the one that suits your needs. Some schools offer better undergraduate than graduate degrees while others are excellent either way. Your current educational performance also matters because some schools are more exclusive than others.
Hardware Engineering University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Hardware Engineering
We ranked the best hardware engineering schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our hardware engineering university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of hardware engineering degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Hardware Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/engineering-scholarships/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/engineering-courses/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/engineering-skills/
Best Hardware Engineering Schools FAQ
It can take between two to seven years to become a hardware engineer, depending on the path you choose. An associate degree program runs for about two years, a bachelor’s degree runs for about four years, and if you opt for a master’s and PhD you may be required to spend up to seven years training.
Yes, hardware engineering requires coding. While not every aspect of hardware engineering will require coding, there are several aspects that will require coding skills so it is highly recommended. This is why all hardware engineering curricula always cover programming languages and software engineering.
Hardware engineers earn slightly more than software engineers in the United States. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for hardware engineers is $103,094 and the average salary for software engineers is $101,974.
Yes, hardware design is hard because it is a constantly evolving field that requires you to think fast to keep up. However, it gets easy to catch up when you already know how hardware design works.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
