Best HBCUs for Computer Engineering Programs

UDC’s program introduces learners to several computer engineering sub-disciplines with topics like cyber-physical systems and software engineering. In the final semesters, students complete a capstone project and choose specialized computer engineering and engineering electives. Potential topics include solar thermal energy systems, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics. 

Tuition ranges from $345-725 per credit, with the cheapest options available to D.C. and metro residents. Besides the affordable tuition, UDC offers a paid research assistant position and a Microsoft scholarship opportunity. 

PVAMU’s computer engineering curriculum begins with math, chemistry, physics, and government courses. It then builds on that foundation with 27 core computer engineering courses that explore topics like network theory, microprocessor system design, and logic circuits. Students can customize their program with three technical electives before completing a two-semester capstone project on engineering design and professionalism.  

The College of Engineering also offers a five-year BS/MS program. Computer engineering students with a 3.0 minimum GPA can pair their undergraduate studies with a master’s in electrical engineering. They can also apply for a $10,000 scholarship for the five-year track.  

Hampton offers two ABET-accredited computer engineering options: a traditional and cybersecurity track. Both require 120 credits and include many of the same classes, but the cybersecurity track replaces some electives with courses like cyber-physical systems and network security. 

Regardless of the program track, students can take advantage of the flat-rate tuition and apply for need or merit-based scholarships. Engineering majors can also land paid research positions and contribute to Hampton’s long history of interdisciplinary research.

Claflin University’s program is for students planning to pursue a graduate degree or a career as a computer hardware architect. As such, the core curriculum covers essentials like data structures, embedded systems, and software engineering. Depending on their industry interests, students can choose more specialized electives in bioinformatics, digital forensics, data mining, and robotics. 

The university emphasizes leadership and inclusion, offering several opportunities to participate in community activities. Computer engineering students partner with groups like the National Society of Black Engineers to promote computing diversity and offer K-12 educational services.

Students begin FAMU’s computer engineering program with a year of “pre-engineering” requirements. They must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and earn at least a C- in foundational courses like calculus and physics. 

Upon completion, they can transfer into the computer science major and begin exploring core concepts like advanced microprocessors and linear systems analysis. 

Students complete the program with a research-based capstone design project, highlighting FAMU’s history as a research institution. Besides research, FAMU prioritizes affordability, with in-state tuition totaling just over $4,550 annually.

JCSU prioritizes experiential learning. Computer engineering students learn through hands-on activities like building microcontrollers and robots. As part of this experiential focus, they can land paid research positions or internships at organizations like NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Institutes of Health.

The curriculum also reflects this experiential focus with two career preparation seminars, a senior capstone project, and a practicum elective. While not required, students can further supplement their degree with one of two minors: bioinformatics or cybersecurity. 

N.C. A&T offers an affordable, ABET-accredited computer engineering program. North Carolina residents pay less than $150 per credit before added fees, totaling just over $18,100 in tuition for the entire 123-credit program. 

In alignment with ABET student outcomes, the curriculum prepares graduates to apply engineering concepts to create practical and ethical solutions to real-world problems. Most courses focus on electrical and computer engineering concepts, such as electric circuit analysis, microprocessors, and digital systems designs. In their final year, students select four technical electives and complete a senior design project. 

This ABET-accredited computer engineering program includes a comprehensive curriculum. Classes cover everything from circuit theory and advanced digital systems to electromagnetics. Learners also explore VLSI design and complete a senior design project. 

HU offers two extra benefits: research opportunities and financial packages. With over a dozen on-campus research centers and labs, students can work with faculty to research topics like human-computer interaction and bioinformatics. They can also apply for one of the many departmental scholarships that award up to $41,500.  

VSU encourages hands-on learning both in and outside the classroom. Many courses include a lab component, such as digital systems, microprocessors, digital signal processing and filter design, and embedded controllers. Computer engineering majors can also participate in summer internships and research projects. 

The school offers low tuition rates, totaling about $5,500 annually for Virginia residents. It also provides several scholarships to ensure affordability and accessibility. Students can apply for general support or program-specific financial aid like the Presidential STEM Scholarship. 

JSU’s computer engineering degree program introduces students to both software and hardware computer systems. For example, the curriculum covers discrete structures, operating systems, electronics, microprocessors, and three technical electives. 

JSU offers competitive tuition rates at $345 per credit for those enrolled part-time, or $8,270 per year for full-time. Students can also apply for several scholarship opportunities, like the Presidential Academic Scholarship, which covers all student expenses for four years.