20 Best Computer Engineering Schools in Texas

1. University of Texas at Austin (Cockrell)

Acceptance Rate: 17.7%
Tuition Fee: $10,554 per year for in-state students and $19,320 per year for Out-of-state students

The University of Texas at Austin is a renowned institution established in 1883. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, also known as Texas ECE, is the largest in the Cockrell School of Engineering with more than 2,500 students and 80 faculty.

The department offers a variety of programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Online Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.

Students in this department transform into professional engineers who develop solutions for building and maintaining secure data infrastructure, design intelligent utility networks, smart grids, and mobile wireless networks, and advance nanotechnology and biochips.

Graduates from Texas ECE go on to work in nearly every aspect of technological advancement and innovation, including wireless networking, medical imaging, robotics, and software development.

2. Rice University (Brown)

Acceptance rate: The overall acceptance rate has been around 8-10% in recent years.
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Rice University is approximately $50,310 per year.

Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is renowned for its strong emphasis on education and research. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Rice University is a part of the George R. Brown School of Engineering.

The ECE department is at the crossroads of hardware and software, integrating these tools to create better, faster, safer technologies to move humanity forward. They innovate and design technologies in healthcare, computing, communications, electronics, photonics, and more.

The department offers a variety of programs including a PhD Program, a Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Undergraduate Programs.

3. Texas A&M University – College Station

Acceptance rate: The overall acceptance rate for Texas A&M University – College Station was reported as 57.8% in Fall 2020.
Tuition fee: The total program cost is around $54,000.

Texas A&M University – College Station is a public, land-grant, research university located in College Station, Texas. It was founded in 1876 and became the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System in 1948.

The Computer Engineering Department at Texas A&M University is jointly administered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The department offers a robust educational support program tailored to student’s needs and provides resources for both graduate and undergraduate students.

4. University of Texas at Dallas (Jonsson)

Acceptance Rate: 34.8%
Tuition Fee: $15,088 per year for in-state students and $29,252 per year for Out-of-state students

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is home to the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering & Computer Science, a renowned institution that offers a wide range of academic programs and conducts cutting-edge research.

The Computer Engineering program at UTD is a part of the Jonsson School and combines broad areas of electrical engineering and computer science.

This program deals with the sensing, processing, and transmission of information, using principles centred on system-level design, computer architecture, and computer applications.

It is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of computer engineering.

5. University of Houston

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate is approximately 66%.
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for in-state students is approximately $9,711, and for out-of-state students, it’s approximately $22,191.

The University of Houston is a renowned institution that offers a wide range of programs, including a strong program in Computer Engineering.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Houston offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines electrical engineering and computer science.

It covers various areas including imaging, communication technologies, computer and information systems, power and energy systems, control systems, and electromagnetics.

The department is known for its research excellence in areas like devices and materials, imaging and signal processing, data computing and computer systems, photonics, plasmonics, electromagnetics, optoelectronics, sensors and bioengineering, and power and energy systems.

6. University of Texas at Arlington

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at the University of Texas at Arlington is approximately 81%.
Tuition fee: The in-state tuition fee is approximately $9,206. For out-of-state students, the tuition fee is approximately $26,778.

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a public research university located in Arlington, Texas. It was established in 1895 and has since grown to become an educational leader in the thriving North Texas region.

UTA offers over 180 baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. One of these programs is offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. This department is part of UTA’s College of Engineering and offers a range of programs including a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, and a Doctoral degree program in Computer Engineering.

The department is home to several faculty members who specialize in various areas of computer science and engineering, including database and information systems, big data and large-scale computing, machine learning and data mining, robotics and AI, sustainable computing, and more.

The department’s mission is to research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components, to explore fundamental issues in computing and develop theories and models to invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.

7. University of Texas at San Antonio

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate is approximately 87%.
Tuition fee: The average tuition fee for in-state students is approximately $239 per credit hour.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public research university located in San Antonio, Texas.

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UTSA offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The department is the perfect place for students who are passionate about technology and innovation.

The Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree program at UTSA gives students the broad engineering skills needed to develop and manage digital systems.

The program blends the disciplines of math, computer science, and electrical engineering as students learn about logic design, digital systems design, computer organization, microprocessor assembly programming, and more.

After earning their degree, students will find career opportunities in designing and testing hardware like routers, microprocessors, motherboards, and more.

8. Southern Methodist University (Lyle)

Acceptance rate: Southern Methodist University has an overall acceptance rate of 52%.
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Computer Engineering program is approximately $1,200 per credit. The total tuition fees for the master’s program (typically completed in 18 months) are around $36,000.

Southern Methodist University’s Lyle School of Engineering is home to a research-oriented, student-centered Computer Science department.

The department is committed to training strong logical thinkers and problem solvers who use computers and computational processes to build solutions that change the world.

The faculty at the Lyle School of Engineering’s Computer Science department have a wide range of research interests, including data science infrastructure, machine learning, computer architecture, security, software engineering, visual and spatial computing, and more.

The department offers a variety of programs, including an Accelerated Pathways program that allows students to complete both B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years.

9. Texas Tech University

Acceptance rate: 67%
Tuition fee: $26,204

Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public research university located in Lubbock, Texas. The Department of Computer Science is part of the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering.

The department conducts research in various areas including:

Software testing
Empirical software engineering
Application of statistical analysis to program analysis
Principles of Cyber Security
How to measure, assess and enforce security in legacy systems
How to build new systems that are secured.

10. University of North Texas

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at the University of North Texas is approximately 67%.
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Computer Engineering program is approximately $16,380 per year.

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It is one of the largest universities in the nation, offering 114 bachelor’s, 97 master’s, and 39 doctoral degree programs.

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at UNT is dedicated to advancing computing and shaping tomorrow’s IT leaders. The department provides high-quality educational programs by maintaining a balance between theoretical and experimental aspects of computer science, as well as a balance between software and hardware issues.

They offer several undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including:

Bachelor of Art degree in Information Technology
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity
Doctoral degree in Computer Science and Engineering.

The Computer Science program, the Information Technology program, and the Computer Engineering program at UNT are all accredited by the ABET.

11. Southwestern University

Acceptance rate: 45%
Tuition fee: $53,288

Southwestern University is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in Georgetown, Texas.

The Computer Science Department at Southwestern University provides an integrated approach to solving complex, open-ended problems.

The department offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science.

Students have the opportunity to design independent research with faculty, present their work at regional, national, and international conferences, and publish co-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals.

12. University of Texas at El Paso

Acceptance rate: 100%
Tuition fee: $8,508 for Texas residents, $21,164 for non-residents

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public research university located in El Paso, Texas. It is a member of the University of Texas System and is the second-largest university in the United States to have a majority Mexican American student population.

UTEP offers nearly 170 degree options, with popular programs in various fields including computer science. It is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” and is recognized for its vital, state-of-the-art research enterprise.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UTEP is dedicated to providing its students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will allow its graduates to succeed as engineers and leaders.

13. University of Texas at Tyler

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at the University of Texas at Tyler is 94%.
Tuition fee: For in-district and in-state undergraduates, the tuition is $7,394. For out-of-state undergraduates, the tuition is $23,232.

The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) is a renowned institution that offers more than 70 academic degrees across various disciplines.

The Computer Engineering Department at UT Tyler provides a comprehensive and hands-on engineering education designed to develop a strong basis and depth in the computer engineering discipline.

The curriculum includes required courses in computer architecture, digital electronics, embedded systems, data communications and networking, signals and systems, large-scale integration design, field-programmable gate array design, and operating systems.

The department also offers a 4+1 option, allowing students to complete their bachelor’s in computer engineering and master’s in electrical engineering in just five years.

14. Texas State University

Acceptance rate: 53%
Tuition fee: For Texas residents, the estimated tuition and fees are $12,220 per year. For non-residents, the estimated tuition and fees are $24,520 per year.

Texas State University (TXST) is a public research university with its main campus located in San Marcos, Texas.

The Department of Computer Science at Texas State University is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of computer science and technology through education, research, and service.

The department offers two-degree options for students – a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The department offers courses in various areas including:

Computer architecture
Data structures and algorithms
Automata theory
Compilers
Operating systems
Object-oriented design
Computer graphics
Computer networks
Parallel programming
Computer security
Software engineering
Database design
Artificial intelligence
Data mining
Computer vision

15. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Acceptance rate: 87%
Tuition fee: $9,538 for In-state students, $19,333 for Out-of-state students

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public research university with a mission to empower students to create positive change through discoveries and innovation.

The Computer Engineering Department is part of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UTRGV. The department is committed to providing high-quality education and strives for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) as a broad-field major, a Master of Science (MS) with a major in computer science, and a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). The BSCS degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

16. University of Texas at San Antonio

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at the University of Texas at San Antonio is approximately 76.6%.
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for in-state students is approximately $239 per credit hour.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public research university located in San Antonio, Texas.

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UTSA is a comprehensive academic unit that offers a variety of programs. The department provides students with a hands-on learning experience that prepares them for success in the real world.

They have state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment that enable students to work on exciting projects, collaborate with their peers, and gain valuable industry experience.

The Computer Engineering program at UTSA gives students the broad engineering skills they’ll need to develop and manage digital systems. The program blends the disciplines of math, computer science, and electrical engineering as students learn about logic design, digital systems design, computer organization, microprocessor assembly programming, and more.

After earning their degree, students will find career opportunities in designing and testing hardware like routers, microprocessors, motherboards, and more.

17. Baylor University

Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate for the Department of Computer Science, which includes the Computer Engineering program, is approximately 43%.
Tuition fee: The tuition for Baylor University is approximately $54,844.

Baylor University is a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1845. It offers degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.

The School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) at Baylor University is nationally recognized for its undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs offer rigorous courses of study in general engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, bioinformatics, and computer science.

The Computer Engineering Department is part of the ECS and is committed to providing a superior education through instruction, scholarship, and service. This prepares graduates for professional practice and responsible leadership with a Christian worldview.

Baylor University now also offers an Online master’s in computer science for students with a bachelor’s in computer science or a math-focused undergrad degree.

18. Texas Christian University

Acceptance rate: 56%
Tuition fee: $61,650

Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private research university located in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Computer Science Department at TCU is part of the College of Science & Engineering. They offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Technology.

The department has active student chapters of professional organizations: the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE).

The department is committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for a successful career in the ever-evolving field of computer science.

19. University of Dallas

Acceptance rate: The overall acceptance rate of the University of Dallas is 59%.
Tuition fee: The average net cost to attend the University of Dallas is $27,250 per year.

The University of Dallas is a private, Catholic university located in Irving, Texas.

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering provides both undergraduate and graduate students a solid foundation in their area of study, including Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Telecommunications Engineering.

The program deals with the sensing, processing, and transmission of information, using principles centred on system-level design, computer architecture, and computer applications.

20. Texas Southern University

Acceptance rate: 97%
Tuition fee: $7,437 for In-state students, $19,677 for Out-of-state students

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public historically black university located in Houston, Texas. It is officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Computer Engineering program at TSU provides a comprehensive education in electrical and computer engineering with two concentrations.

The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

The program also emphasizes the development of communication skills, ethical and professional responsibilities, teamwork, and the ability to engage in life-long learning.

FAQs on the Best Computer Engineering Schools in Texas

What career opportunities are available to computer engineering graduates?

Computer engineering graduates have diverse career opportunities across industries such as technology, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, finance, and more. They can pursue roles in software development, hardware design, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, and other emerging fields.

How important is accreditation when choosing a computer engineering program?

Accreditation from organizations like ABET ensures that a computer engineering program meets recognized standards of quality and rigor.

How can students finance their education at these top computer engineering schools?

Students can finance their education through various means, including scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and tuition assistance programs.

Can international students apply to these schools?

Yes, international students can apply to these top computer engineering schools in Texas. They should review each school's eligibility criteria, application process, visa requirements, and English language proficiency tests to ensure a smooth application process.

Conclusion

Choosing the right school is a significant decision that can shape a student’s career and future.

While this article marks the starting point, prospective students should consider their individual goals, interests, and circumstances when making this important decision. We’ve come to the end of this article.

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20 Best Computer Engineering Schools in Texas

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List of the Best Computer Engineering Schools in Texas