2026 Best Computer Hardware Engineering Schools

Computer Hardware Engineering degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their computer hardware engineering programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools to find the best for computer hardware engineering students.

What’s on this page:

• Degree-Level Rankings
• Best Overall Computer Hardware Engineering Schools List

Choosing a Great Computer Hardware Engineering School

Where you study computer hardware engineering matters for your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Computer Hardware Engineering rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Computer Hardware Engineering Rankings by Degree Level

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Computer Hardware Engineering Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

Best Schools for Computer Hardware Engineering in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall computer hardware engineering education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Computer Hardware Engineering

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

17 Computer Hardware Engineering Degrees Awarded

$96,256 Median Starting Salary

University Of California San Diego tops our 2026 ranking of the best computer hardware engineering schools. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 17 computer hardware engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of California San Diego in the most recent data year. Graduates of the computer hardware engineering program make about $96,256 in their early career. University Of California San Diego graduates carry a median of $18,497 in student loans. Get the full computer hardware engineering details for University Of California San Diego

2

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

43 Computer Hardware Engineering Degrees Awarded

$128,924 Median Starting Salary

Santa Clara University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in computer hardware engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 88% of students finish within six years. About 43 computer hardware engineering degrees were awarded at Santa Clara University in the most recent year. Graduates of the computer hardware engineering program make about $128,924 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,666. More information about a degree in computer hardware engineering from Santa Clara University

3

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

14 Computer Hardware Engineering Degrees Awarded

$78,709 Median Starting Salary

Oakland University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best computer hardware engineering schools. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. Oakland University graduates 58% of students within six years. Oakland University awarded about 14 computer hardware engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the computer hardware engineering program make about $78,709 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,125 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in computer hardware engineering from Oakland University

>

Computer Hardware Engineering by Region

View the Best Computer Hardware Engineering Schools for a specific region near you.

Computer Hardware Engineering Related Rankings by Major

Computer Hardware Engineering is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 10 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.