For anybody enthralled by the idea of artificial intelligence or computer architecture, you’ve discovered that a reputable career involves many years of education. To become a professional in careers like software engineering, biomedical engineering, computational engineering, or even web design you need a graduate degree. We understand that earning a graduate degree can be difficult with so many responsibilities and can be overwhelmingly expensive. With that being said, we’ve created a list of the most affordable universities to attend when pursuing a computer engineering master’s degree completely online.
These schools made the cut for a multitude of reasons, including how accessible each program is for everyday individuals. No matter which school you choose below, we know that you’ll find a home within it. Graduating from one of these highly recognized schools will advance you in any future endeavors you wish to follow. You’ll become an expert in research, information technology, and real-world experience. The skills learned will build you into a leader and you’ll continue to improve the communities around you.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online master’s in computer engineering degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in November of 2022.
2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Master’s in Computer Engineering
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | University of Florida | $5,135 |
| #2 | Florida Atlantic University | $10,735 |
| #3 | University of Michigan – Dearborn | $12,855 |
| #4 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $12,964 |
| #5 | University of Arizona – Engineering | $13,358 |
| #6 | University of Arizona | $13,358 |
| #7 | Purdue University – Main Campus | $13,377 |
| #8 | University of Utah | $13,572 |
| #9 | University of Idaho | $13,964 |
| #10 | University of New Mexico | $14,424 |
| #11 | Georgia Institute of Technology | $14,974 |
| #12 | Iowa State University | $16,002 |
| #13 | Mississippi State University | $16,122 |
| #14 | North Carolina State University | $16,411 |
| #15 | Old Dominion University | $17,204 |
| #16 | The University of Texas at Austin | $18,350 |
| #17 | Mississippi State University | $18,433 |
| #18 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $18,679 |
| #19 | University of Delaware | $18,967 |
| #20 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $20,559 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering
1. University of Florida
Average Net Price: $5,135
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Florida strives to improve individual and community lives through values of diversity, accountability, and trust. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Florida #5 among public universities in 2022. 70% of students will graduate with a job or a plan for employment. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Earning a master’s in computer engineering at the University of Florida teaches graduate students the critical skills needed to be successful in this competitive field. Students in this program will study and do research in computer science, vision, databases, machine learning, and systems. Along with those skills, individuals will take courses in Fundamentals of Biometric Identification, Hands-On Hardware Security, and Machine Learning for Time Series.
2. Florida Atlantic University
Average Net Price: $10,735
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Florida Atlantic University is based around providing hands-on opportunities for students in all programs and interests. The university is ranked among the best schools for student success. FAU encourages students to challenge themselves and mold the future they want. Individuals attend Florida Atlantic University to become the best in their desired field whether they’re earning a bachelor’s or a graduate degree.
For individuals pursuing a career as a computer science engineer, cryptographic engineer, or application engineer then the Master’s of Science in Computer Engineer program at FAU is perfect for you. This program is designed to not only educate but create experienced and skilled individuals who advance further in their future endeavors. The courses you’ll take will go hand-in-hand with real-world experience.
3. The University of Michigan-Dearborn
Average Net Price: $12,855
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The University of Michigan at Dearborn is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. The university prides itself on providing endless research opportunities for students wanting to make a difference. UMD is mission-driven in preparing graduates to become engaged citizens who become bold leaders in their communities. The institution is highly accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
An MSE in Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a combination program that works off of both engaging class time with highly trained faculty and hands-on involvement. The experience students receive comes through the latest computers, high-performance workstations, and microprocessor-based systems. You’ll also participate in courses in cloud computing, intelligent vehicle systems, and VLSI design.
4. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Average Net Price: $12,964
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Missouri University of Science and Technology is building individuals who strive for creativity, discovery, and innovation so they can meet the challenges of today’s world. The value that students gain at Missouri S&T leads to lifelong success. The university is so well-loved its become home to almost 8,000 students and offers 99-degree programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The electrical and computer engineering program at Missouri University of Science and Technology is an advanced program with specific specialties for students to choose from. Students can choose an emphasis on Integrated Circuits/Logic Design, Networking/Security, Computer Architecture, and Computational Intelligence. These specialties allow individuals to practice the distinct field they’re wanting to pursue. You’ll feel confident knowing you’re becoming an expert in your field of choice.
5. University of Arizona-Engineering
Average Net Price: $13,358
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Located in sunny Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona-Engineering is driven to improve lives through higher education. Graduates go on to be active community leaders who solve complex societal problems to better those around them. The university holds upstanding values including diversity, excellence, ethics, cooperation, and openness. These values are what drive students to be lifelong learners, and go into productive careers.
What students love most about achieving a master’s in computer engineering at the University of Arizona-Engineering is being a part of one of the top research universities. Contributing to research is an important factor in practicing newly learned skills, students have numerous research opportunities as they complete their computer engineering degree. You’ll find that graduating with a master’s from the institution will put you in high demand in academics, industry work, and government work.
6. University of Arizona
Average Net Price: $13,358
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The University of Arizona is dedicated to student excellence, this is proven by their over 300 majors and recognition from all over the nation. This highly reputed institution has ample opportunities for student research, with achievements including “Top 20 Public Research Institution”, number 6 in NASA funding, and over $700 million going into research at the university. Among many things, individuals attend the school for faculty members who are highly trained and value their pupils.
An electrical and computer engineering master’s degree from the University of Arizona prepares students for a multitude of careers. Graduates from these online programs have gone on to be biomedical engineers, computer engineers, circuit designers, and computer networkers. All of the coursework is a combination of assignments and research-based work. The university prides itself on being a technology-friendly school, students will work with the most up-to-date equipment to better assess and perfect their skills.
7. Purdue University-Main Campus
Average Net Price: $13,377
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Purdue University’s Main Campus is an exceptional school that draws in students from all different backgrounds. Purdue encourages students to explore their imagination by allowing them an ample amount of research opportunities and freedom to conduct their own research. Attending Purdue instills a sense of belonging and integrity that individuals carry with them through future practices.
Purdue University offers a captivating master’s in both Electrical and Computer Engineering. This mixed strategy educates students on all aspects of engineering so they’ll be prepared for any field or task. The program is student-centered and keeps a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. This particular degree is ranked one of the best programs in the nation, with students valuing the rigorous yet cutting-edge experience they gain.
8. The University of Utah
Average Net Price: $13,572
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
The University of Utah is located in magnificent Salt Lake City, Utah. The university’s mission is to bring about a sense of curiosity and a life-long interest in learning. 80% of students attending the institution report having a full-time job before their graduation. With over 100 programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, you’ll feel proud to graduate from such an inspiring university.
Earning a computer engineering master’s at the University of Utah provides exceptional knowledge of computer engineering and its specialties. Students participating in this program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and endless research opportunities. Not only will students get to practice their skills but experience how their research affects their communities. In this program, you’ll take classes in advanced embedded software, computer architecture, and embedded system design.
9. The University of Idaho
Average Net Price: $13,964
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Attending the University of Idaho means finding a home in a community built upon higher education and discovering your identity. Students appreciate the high-quality education that surrounds the university as they have the freedom to explore all possibilities of their curiosity. Today the University of Idaho is home to more than 10,000 students and holds an accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Participating in the computer engineering graduate program at the University of Idaho is an opportunity to expand your skills completely online. The courses taken throughout this state-of-the-art program educate students to contribute to computer innovations for generations to come. Students attending this master’s enjoy taking classes such as advanced computer architecture, artificial intelligence, and data communication systems. You’ll get to choose an emphasis as your focus throughout the program, some of these include computer systems and digital systems design.
10. University of New Mexico
Average Net Price: $14,424
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The University of New Mexico is a higher-learning institution that actively achieves engagement in both the classroom and throughout campus life. The university gives back to its community through research, education, and creative resources which assist in healthcare, social services, and much more. The University of New Mexico is where students expand their knowledge and grow into professionals.
An electrical and computer engineering master’s at the University of New Mexico is internationally recognized for the exceptional education and research it provides. Students will participate in important coursework based around applied electromagnetics, photonics, and renewable energy amongst many other things. The faculty are highly-trained professionals dedicated to leading discovery and innovation. You’ll learn a broad array of topics, including focused topics specific to your future career.
