by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 7 U.S. colleges awarded 121 degrees and certificates in Computer Hardware Engineering. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 54% of graduates. College Factual ranks 5 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Hardware Engineering Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $83,126 one year after completing, rising to $115,160 after four years.
A major in Computer Hardware Engineering explores Computer Hardware Engineering. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Mathematical And Scientific Principles To The Design, Development, And Evaluation Of Computer Hardware And Related Peripheral Equipment. Includes Instruction In Computer Circuit And Chip Design, Circuitry, Computer Systems Design, Computer Equipment Design, Computer Layout Planning, Testing Procedures, And Related Computer Theory And Software Topics.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, computer hardware engineering is a popular field of study, with 121 degrees awarded annually. 7 colleges award computer hardware engineering degrees, an average of 17 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 40.
By level, the 121 awards include 65 bachelor’s degrees, 55 master’s degrees and 1 doctorates.
Women earned 17% of computer hardware engineering degrees and certificates in the latest year (21 of 121). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (37) and Asian (31), and international students earned 31.
College Factual ranks 5 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Hardware Engineering Schools ranking, including 5 for bachelor’s degrees and 4 for master’s degrees. It also ranks computer hardware engineering schools within 3 states. In all, 7 colleges offer computer hardware engineering programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Hardware Engineering Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer hardware engineering credential is the bachelor’s degree: 65 of the 121 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer hardware engineering call most for Speaking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
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How long a computer hardware engineering degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 65 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 55 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer hardware engineering, at 35.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 35.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21.9% |
| Master’s degree | 15.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 11.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.3% |
| First professional degree | 1.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.1% |
| Some college courses | 1.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to Computer Hardware Engineering, with an average median salary of $83,584; the strongest outlook belongs to Computer Hardware Engineers, at 11.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Applied Mechanics Teacher, Instructor, Aeronautics Teacher and Radar Engineering Teacher.
The occupation related to computer hardware engineering with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 412,134 | 11.3% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
Computer Hardware Engineering graduates earn a median $83,126 one year after completing their program, $115,160 after four years and $111,175 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $83,126 |
| 4 years | $115,160 |
| 5 years | $111,175 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer hardware engineering is Architectural and Engineering Managers, with a median salary of $101,277.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,889 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $63,909 |
Computer Hardware Engineering has 3 similar majors in the Engineering field, which together award 21,214 degrees a year; the largest are Computer Engineering, General (13,987), Computer Software Engineering (6,659) and Computer Engineering, Other (568). Browse all Engineering majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Engineering, General | 13,987 |
| Computer Software Engineering | 6,659 |
| Computer Engineering, Other | 568 |
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