There are many job opportunities with great benefits in the field of computer engineering. Professionals in this field have job security, a good source of income, as well as interesting and diverse employment opportunities. If you’re looking into computer engineering schools, you might want to explore the best computer engineering schools in California.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of computer engineering schools in California. We’ll do a deep dive into California computer engineering school rankings and programs offered by these schools. We also break down computer engineering career opportunities and answer some frequently asked questions relevant to prospective computer engineering students.
How to Choose a Good Computer Engineering School in California
To choose the best computer engineering school in California for you, you should consider a few important factors. Research the accreditation, price, retention rate, and reputation of any school that you’re seriously considering applying to or attending. Having an idea of your own career goals can help you weigh how different schools can help you achieve these goals.
Accreditation
When a school is accredited, it shows that it has met the minimum required standards for providing education. When looking for a reputable computer engineering school in California, accreditation is a key factor to consider. It will not only help you identify the best schools, but also eliminate any schools that aren’t up to these minimum standards.
Cost
The cost of tuition at any institution determines whether or not you will be able to attend. Look into the cost of the computer engineering program you’re considering to see whether it fits into your budget. You can also investigate a school’s financial aid opportunities and even directly contact the financial aid office for the most accurate and clear information.
Retention Rate
Retention rate is the percentage of students that return to a school for their second year. It reveals whether or not a school meets its established goals for recruitment and if it adequately supports its students. If the retention rate of a school is high, you can feel confident when considering it.
Reputation
Prospective students are often attracted to a school’s reputation because it represents the institution’s perceived excellence. Of course, this then influences candidates’ decisions. Any reputable school with a computer engineering program is probably a strong choice.
Career Goals
Any student who wants to pursue a successful career in computer engineering should choose a school that will assist them in reaching their goals. Good schools carve defined career paths for students, which is why career goals are vital when making a choice of institution. The clearer you are about your own career goals, the more accurately you’ll be able to judge if a school is a good fit for you.
California Computer Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Computer Engineering Programs in California?
| Computer Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science | 2 |
| California Institute of Technology | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science | 4 |
| University of California – Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 15 |
| University of California – San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | PhD in Computer Science and Engineering | 19 |
| University of California – Davis | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 27 |
| University of Southern California | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | PhD in Computer Engineering | 31 |
| University of California – Santa Barbara | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 31 |
| University of California – Irvine | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 42 |
| San Diego State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of science in Computer Engineering | 96 |
| Santa Clara University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 114 |
California Computer Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Computer Engineering Schools in California
To rank the best computer engineering schools in California, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer engineering program as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Computer Engineering Schools in California Explained
The best computer engineering schools in California prepare students for employment. Popular employment areas include software engineering and systems engineering. Below are details on these institutions to help you find the computer engineering school in California that’s the right fit for you.
Best Undergraduate Computer Engineering Schools in California
Knowledge of the best undergraduate computer engineering schools in California is helpful for prospective computer engineering students. It makes the school search process more manageable. Below are some more of the best computer engineering undergraduate degree schools and programs in California.
Best Computer Engineering Associate Degree Schools in California
At the time of writing, there were no two-year, associate degree schools in California offering degrees in computer engineering. However, there are plenty of other undergraduate degree options available, in the form of bachelor’s degree programs. Read more about them below.
Best Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in California
- Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In this program, students are able to pursue tracks like artificial intelligence, biocomputation, and human-computer interaction.
- California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Computer Science. The fundamentals of mathematics and engineering are some of the primary focuses of this program, as well as computation as an integral component of many natural and engineered systems.
- University of California-Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. UCLA’s computer engineering program teaches students about key inventions, including the Internet of Things, robotic systems, mobile systems, and smart systems.
- University of California-San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. This degree program covers both computer science and electrical engineering, allowing students to personalize their learning experience according to their academic and professional interests.
- University of California-Davis | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. This undergraduate program at UC Davis provides a solid foundation in mathematics, sciences, and standard computer engineering. Coursework covers electronics, computer hardware, and software. Students will master the core skills they need to secure jobs in computer engineering or to further their education.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Computer Engineering in California
Prospective computer engineering students should consider the best graduate schools for computer engineering in California. Below, we list some of the best schools for computer engineering master’s and PhD degrees in California. Keep reading to learn more.
Best Schools for Master’s in Computer Engineering in California
- Stanford University | Master of Science in Computer Science. The MS in Computer Science program at Stanford is perfect for students who want to gain advanced skills in computer science and engineering. It is also a flexible program meaning that students can complete the majority of the program via online courses.
- University of California-Los Angeles | Master of Science in Engineering – Computer Networking. This degree equips students with the necessary skills to pursue careers in computer engineering. Students can complete this online program in two years.
- University of California-San Diego | Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. This MS program is administered through a thesis plan, a standard plan, or a comprehensive interdisciplinary plan. All of these plans prepare students to pursue a PhD in the field.
- University of California-Davis | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program is ideal for computer engineers who want to develop qualitative and quantitative skills to find success in the field or to proceed to further education.
- University of Southern California | Master of Science in Computer Engineering. Students have the opportunity to do coursework in computer architecture, VLSI and networks.
Best PhD in Computer Engineering Universities in California
- Stanford University | PhD in Computer Science. This PhD degree helps students become professionals in computer science and computer engineering. While a master’s degree covers the fundamentals, this PhD program helps students develop more advanced skills through research.
- California Institute of Technology | PhD in Computer Science. This program is for students who already have fundamental knowledge in computer science and engineering. Students who do not have a thorough understanding of the basic concepts will not qualify for the PhD program.
- University of California – Los Angeles | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program caters to students’ professional objectives. It’s ideal for candidates who have a clear-cut idea of the career path they want to pursue.
- University of California – San Diego | PhD in Computer Engineering. This PhD program prepares students for their careers by providing them with a research-oriented education.
- University of Southern California | PhD in Computer Engineering. Students who want to become experts in the computer engineering field should consider this PhD program. It is designed to add to skills and knowledge acquired in bachelor’s and master’s programs.
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Computer Engineering Schools in California
The basic admission requirements for computer engineering schools in California are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Depending on the institutions and programs you apply to, specific requirements will vary. However, you will find a general list of admission requirements for graduate and undergraduate computer engineering students below.
Computer Engineering Schools in California: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- SAT or ACT test scores
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A completed application
Computer Engineering Schools in California: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- References letters
- GRE or GMAT test scores
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Computer Engineering in California?
Yes, it is hard to get into a school for computer engineering in California. Most computer engineering schools have fairly low acceptance rates because they are competitive. However, there are some institutions that have higher rates of admission.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California for Computer Engineering
- National University | Acceptance Rate: 89%. This private institution aims to give students an accessible education either online or on-campus. National University has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering that will give students the skills they need.
- California State University-San Bernardino | Acceptance Rate: 78%. You can easily get into CSUSB if you meet the basic admission requirements. The school offers students a computer engineering bachelor’s degree.
- California State University-Northridge | Acceptance Rate: 66%. This school is perfect for a degree in computer engineering and the admission requirements include SAT/ACT scores. Students can enroll in bachelor’s and master’s degree computer engineering programs at California State University-Northridge.
- University of California-Santa Cruz | Acceptance Rate: 65%. UC Santa Cruz is a great school with a reasonably high acceptance rate. It offers computer engineering programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.
- Santa Clara University | Acceptance Rate: 51%. Santa Clara University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD Degrees in Computer Engineering.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Computer Engineering in California
The best online schools for computer engineering in California are National University and the University of California-Los Angeles. Both schools offer strong, fully-online computer engineering programs. The graduation rates of these online schools are sourced from the US Department of Education.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online {Subject} Program |
|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles | 92% | Master of Science in Computer Engineering |
| National University | 34% | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Computer Engineering in California
The most affordable colleges for computer engineering in California are California State University – Los Angeles, California State University – Fresno, California State University – Bakersfield, California State University – San Bernardino, and California State University – Northridge. Pursuing higher education can be very expensive in California. Luckily, there are some great inexpensive options if you’re concerned about the cost of higher education.
How to Attend the Top Computer Engineering Schools in California With Financial Aid
Students can attend one of the top computer engineering schools in California and also get the financial aid they need. There are federal and state opportunities available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other opportunities available through the California Student Aid Commission. We have provided some of these financial aid opportunities below.
Best Computer Engineering Scholarships for California Students
- Cal Grant Program | Amount: Varies. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training. Students attending a University of California, a California State University, a California Community College, or a qualifying career college or technical institution in California are eligible for this kind of financial aid.
- Middle Class Scholarship | Amount: Cost of attendance. The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and teaching candidates with family incomes and assets of up to $201,000. Students can receive this award for up to four years, depending on their education level.
- California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program | Amount: $3,000/year. Students who have significantly contributed to their communities through community service or volunteer work are eligible for this form of financial aid. Applications are open annually, and students must also be able to show significant financial need.
California Employment Outlook for Computer Engineering
The California employment outlook for computer engineering is good. The projected employment growth rate is 10.6 percent, according to statistics from the State of California’s Employment Development Department. This means that between 2018 and 2028 there should be around 25,000 new computer engineering jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate has steadily increased across the state, from 2021 to 2022. Due to the large number of computer engineering graduates, there may be some competition for positions. However, the current trend in California is positive.
Highest-Paying Computer Engineering Careers in California
| Computer Engineering Job | Computer Engineering Degree | Average Salary in California |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $169,970 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $135,200 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $115,420 |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $106,250 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $105,770 |
Best Computer Engineering Jobs in California Explained
There are many high-paying employment options in the tech field, and you can find employment in some of the best computer engineering jobs in California. Lots of these jobs also have good benefits and opportunities for growth.
Does It Matter What Computer Engineering School in California I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what computer engineering school in California you go to. The school you attend will determine the quality of education that you receive. It’s important to attend an accredited institution that has a high graduation rate.
You should also consider the qualifications of the faculty and any financial aid opportunities that the school provides. Thoroughly research the programs you’re interested in to make sure they will prepare you for the career path you want to pursue. These are the factors that differentiate schools from each other and determine whether you’ll get the most out of your educational experience.
Additional Reading About {Subject}
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Best Computer Engineering Schools in California FAQ
Yes, computer engineering is worth it. A degree in computer engineering will offer you a wide range of opportunities for jobs in the technological field. These jobs are high-paying and often have good benefits.
The average salary for a computer engineer in California is $91,111, according to ZipRecruiter. Salaries often differ according to the level of experience and qualifications of the computer engineer. However, this is a very high average base annual salary.
Yes, computer engineering and other related jobs can be hard. Computer engineering, like other engineering degrees, requires a willingness to work hard despite setbacks. It can also be a very competitive field.
The highest qualification in computer engineering is a PhD. With this degree, you can advance in your career and earn a very high salary. There are also postdoctoral opportunities in computer engineering for those interested.
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