If you want to advance your career in cyber security management or network design then this list of the best network engineering schools is for you. Network engineering and security are crucial elements of the data, business, and information technology industries. The best network engineering schools ensure you meet the criteria for a lucrative career in these industries.
Our guide covers the top 10 best network engineering colleges that offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. We also include national rankings, the best network technology jobs, network administration majors, and their program information.
Best Network Engineering College and University Rankings: Top 10 Network Engineering Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person, online | #117 |
| Cornell University | NY | In-person | #15 |
| DeVry University | IL | In-person, online | #119-157 |
| North Dakota State University | ND | In-person | #277 |
| Purdue University | IN | In-person, online | #49 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | In-person | #117 |
| San Jose State University | CA | In-person | #22 |
| Pennsylvania State University | PA | In-person | #63 |
| University of Michigan | MI | In-person | #23 |
| University of Phoenix | AZ | Online | #299-391 |
Network Engineering School Rankings: Best Network Engineering Colleges and Universities
Below is a list of the best network engineering universities that will help you become a network engineer, network analyst, network technician, or land other network security-based jobs. Our list covers computer science, cyber security, systems engineering, and computer engineering programs that prepare students for a career in network engineering.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Network Engineering: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for network engineering offer high-quality associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. The pathway to a fruitful career in network engineering can stem from any of these qualifications.
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However, if you get an associate degree you will only qualify for junior network administration positions and will need to get further industry experience. Below is an overview of the various types of college degrees you can get to build a career in network engineering.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Network Engineering Schools: Other Network Engineering University Rankings
The choice for the best network engineering schools depend on your financial and degree preferences. Below is a list of the programs that hold top network engineering university rankings, categorized into different types of schools.
Best Online Network Engineering Schools
- DeVry University. DeVry University is a popular online university offering tons of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The private institution has online computer science, network engineering, and software engineering programs. You can also get a Master’s Degree in Network and Communications Management at this school.
- Full Sail University. Full Sail University is a private school that offers online programs and certificates in application development, business intelligence, and plenty of other technical subject areas. You can get a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Cyber Security to advance your network engineering career.
- Southern New Hampshire University. Southern New Hampshire University is counted among the top online schools that offer technology-based programs. You can enroll in its online computer science bachelor’s degree to learn network engineering skills.
Best Community Colleges for Network Engineering
- Hawkeye Community College. Hawkeye Community College offers undergraduate certificates and associate degrees covering business, education, psychology, and technology. You can get an Associate Degree in Network Administration and Engineering to kickstart your networking career.
- Hillsborough Community College. Hillsborough Community College is a public school in Florida. Its information technology associate degree is a great choice for aspiring network engineers.
- St. Louis Community College. St. Louis Community College offers tons of associate degree programs that serve as transfer programs for a bachelor’s degree. You can get an Associate Degree in Business Management or Network Engineering to enter a business networking bachelor’s program or entry-level job.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Network Engineering
- Arizona State University. Best known for its research initiatives and innovation, Arizona State University is a great choice of technology programs. It offers online and in-person undergraduate programs in computer science, software engineering, data science, cyber security, and information technology.
- The Pennsylvania State University. Penn State offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in subjects related to network engineering. Undergraduate students receive support from faculty and have access to on-campus resources and events.
- Purdue University. Purdue University is a globally recognized school with countless undergraduate majors. You can get a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or information technology to prepare for a fruitful career in network engineering.
Best Graduate Schools for Network Engineering
- Cornell University. Cornell University is a popular and reputable Ivy League institution that offers graduate programs in business, computer science, and liberal arts. You can get a Master’s Degree or PhD in Computer Engineering or Information Technology to land senior network engineering roles.
- North Dakota State University. North Dakota State University offers graduate programs in cyber security, computer science, and information assurance topics.
- University of Michigan. University of Michigan’s data science and information science graduate programs are a great choice for those looking to enter database systems management or network engineering fields.
Best Network Engineering Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Fayetteville State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Computer Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Fayetteville State University’s dual degree program is for students looking to work in computer architecture and chemical engineering. It can be completed in five years.
- Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. At this prestigious university students can obtain a dual degree to start a career in network engineering and systems architecture. You need to complete 146 credits in database systems, systems circuits, and engineering electronics.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology. This associate and bachelor’s degree program in computer technology is designed specifically for hard-of-hearing and deaf students looking for a dual tech degree. It covers computer networking, software systems, and computer hardware.
Best Schools With Accelerated Network Engineering Programs
- Columbia Southern University | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cyber Security. This accelerated program teaches you advanced information systems and cyber security topics in as little as twelve months. Students with ample transfer credits can complete this degree with 72 credit hours.
- North Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science. The combination of master’s and bachelor’s programs is a great way to get advanced qualifications in a short time frame. You can complete this degree in five years and master network security, software development, and AI.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computing Security. For those interested in landing a senior role in cyber security, information assurance, or network security, this program is for you. It requires 147 credits and can be completed in five years.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Network Engineering Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for network engineering. Having a Master’s Degree or a PhD in Network Engineering can help you land senior-level, high-paying jobs in the information technology industry. Graduate education also provides you with the opportunity to work with and understand the latest engineering and security technologies.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Network Engineering Degree?
The jobs you can do with a network engineering degree are computer network architect, network security engineer, and network engineer. You can also get lucrative jobs in the database management systems or computer architecture fields. Our list of the best network engineering schools can help you acquire the required education and technical skills needed to get the best network engineering jobs at any level.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Network Engineering?
You can earn between $51,208 to $168,687 per year with a degree in network engineering. However, your salary range will vary based on your qualifications. According to PayScale, the average salary for an Associate of Science in Network Engineering is $60,000 and the average salary for a Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering is $80,000.
The salary ranges for master’s and PhD holders will be higher and can vary by a significant amount depending on your designation. According to PayScale, the average salary for Master of Science in Network Engineering is $93,000.
Highest-Paying Network Engineering Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Security Officer | PhD | $168,687 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s Degree | $120,520 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Master’s Degree | $110,855 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | $102,600 |
| Computer Science Professor | PhD | $86,712 |
| Computer Systems Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree | $80,600 |
| Network Systems Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree | $80,600 |
| Network Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $76,498 |
| Network Specialist | Associate Degree | $59,583 |
| Information Technology Support Specialist | Associate Degree | $51,208 |
Best Jobs With a Network Engineering Degree
The best jobs with a network engineering degree are computer network architect, information security analyst, machine learning engineer, and director of cyber security. Below are the types of jobs you can get for each degree level and the average salary for those positions.
How Can I Pay for Network Engineering School?
You can pay for network engineering school by taking an education loan, applying for scholarship opportunities, or landing a teaching assistantship position. Below are popular financing methods you can use to pay for your network engineering school.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every student should complete FAFSA each year they are in school. Your school uses FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility and award you grants, work-study, and scholarships.
- Internal scholarships. Universities offer tons of internal scholarship opportunities to their students. These opportunities are often based on merit, financial requirements, or student background.
- Work-study. A work-study plan provides tuition, housing, and food assistance to students by requiring them to work part-time in an on-campus or off-campus position.
- Teaching assistantships. Teaching assistantships are offered to senior undergraduate or graduate students looking to waive their tuition costs. You need to have a high cumulative GPA to land this position.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Network Engineering School for You
To choose the best networking engineering school for you, consider factors like tuition, curriculum, graduation rates, and school rankings. Below are explanations of each of these important factors that should be taken into account while choosing the best school for you.
Tuition Rates
The tuition of a degree program is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Choose a school that offers a network engineering program with tuition rates that match your financial capabilities to avoid significant financial burden or student loan debt.
Curriculum
The tech field of network engineering spans a wide range of information technology sectors including cyber security, database systems, computer science, data science, and information technology. Choose a school that offers a network engineering curriculum closest to your career goals to ensure it meets your needs and teaches the appropriate skills.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate of a program is a great way to gauge your probability of academic success in a network engineering program. You should consider the school’s reputation and check for high job placement and graduation rates.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Network Engineering?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for network engineering. A network engineering degree from a top-ranked Ivy League institution will enhance your candidacy and increase your chances of landing a high-paying job after graduation. Therefore, getting this degree from a highly reputable school will provide you with an upper hand in the current job market.
However, a network engineering degree from the other schools mentioned on our list can also lead to fruitful careers. Getting a high cumulative GPA and mastering technical skills are key to building a lucrative career in the field.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Network Engineering University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Network Engineering
We ranked the best network engineering schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our network engineering university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of network engineering degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Network Engineering
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Best Network Engineering Schools FAQ
You can get a computer science, network engineering, or information technology bachelor’s degree to get a job as a network engineer. You can also get an Associate, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in Network Engineering or relevant tech subjects to get a job in the field.
A network engineering degree covers computer architecture, systems administration, information technology, computer engineering, cyber security, and network engineering topics.
Yes, it is hard to learn network engineering because the subject requires you to master software systems, computer architecture, network security, and programming skills.
Yes, you need to know coding to become a network engineer. Network engineers work with Python, JavaScript, and Bash for their jobs.
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