Computer network engineer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a computer network engineer. Computer network engineers usually study electrical engineering, computer science, or business. 53% of computer network engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 30% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 345 real computer network engineer resumes to see exactly what computer network engineer education sections show.

The most common colleges for computer network engineers are the Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Fairleigh Dickinson University.

There are also many online computer network engineer courses to help get the education required to be a computer network engineer.

What education do you need to become a computer network engineer?

What degree do you need to be a computer network engineer?

The most common degree for computer network engineers is bachelor's degree, with 53% of computer network engineers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 30% and associate degree degree at 8%.

Bachelor's, 53%

Associate, 30%

Master's, 8%

Diploma, 4%

Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a computer network engineer?

You should major in electrical engineering to become a computer network engineer. 20% of computer network engineers major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for a computer network engineer include computer science and business.

Electrical Engineering, 20%

Computer Science, 16%

Business, 11%

Computer Engineering, 10%

Other Majors, 43%

Most common colleges for computer network engineers

Computer network engineers often get their degrees at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Boston University, and New York University. Here are the most common colleges for computer network engineers in the US based on their resumes.

Computer network engineer common college	Percentages
Fairleigh Dickinson University	8.57%
Boston University	5.71%
New York University	5.71%
Troy University	5.71%
Cameron University	5.71%

Show more common computer network engineer colleges

Best majors for computer network engineers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Electrical Engineering	19.7%
2	Computer Science	15.8%
3	Business	10.9%
4	Computer Engineering	9.8%
5	Computer Networking	6.6%

Show more common computer network engineer majors

Best colleges for computer network engineers

The best colleges for computer network engineers are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Carnegie Mellon University.

A computer network engineer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer network engineers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer network engineers.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

7. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

8. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

9. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

10. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

20 best online courses for computer network engineers

Advertising disclosure

1. Akamai Network Engineering

Are you interested in learning how large global network operations work? Does managing 30% of the internet traffic globally intrigue you? Then the Network Engineering certification is for you. The NOCC is a proactive monitoring and troubleshooting team that monitors and manages globally distributed servers and resolves network bottlenecks in real time. This beginner level certificate is designed to provide you with in-demand skills that range from internet technology fundamentals, networking,...

2. Computer Hardware and Software

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

4.1

(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

4. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

4.7

(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

5. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

6. Computer Networking Fundamentals

4.2

(309)

Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...

7. Computer Networks Fundamentals

4.6

(487)

Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...

8. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]

4.5

(444)

Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...

9. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...

10. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

4.8

(306)

The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...

11. Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies

4.7

(11,987)

Learn the Fundamentals of Computer Networking for Non-Techies...

12. Linux for Network Engineers: Practical Linux with GNS3

4.6

(4,430)

Linux for Networking Engineers (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE etc). Practical Linux with GNS3 = network programmability & automation...

13. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians

4.2

(306)

Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...

14. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

4.2

(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

15. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...

16. Computer Network: IT Networking Fundamentals 2016

4.4

(254)

Learn Network and Computer Systems and begin a career with a $66,000 annual salary...

17. The World of Computer Networking. Your CCNA starts here

4.6

(1,286)

Learn everything about Internet - Ethernet, IP, Routing, Switching, TCP, UDP, NAT, DHCP and DNS, prepare for CCNA exam...

18. Networking Essentials

4.5

(618)

Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to configure, troubleshoot, manage and protect a data network...

19. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

4.8

(1,422)

Learn how to design, build and troubleshoot Modbus TCP/IP client-server networks...

20. GCP - Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer

4.4

(615)

Pass Google Cloud Professional Network Certification with 15+ Hours of HD quality video and 90+ Hands-on Practical labs...

Top 10 most affordable universities for computer network engineers

The most affordable schools for computer network engineers are California State University - Bakersfield, california state university - long beach, and suny farmingdale.

If the best universities for computer network engineers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer network engineers.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

4. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

5. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

6. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

7. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

8. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,140

Cost of attendance

14,430

9. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

10. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer network engineers

The hardest universities for computer network engineers to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Some great schools for computer network engineers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer network engineers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

4. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

5. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

6. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,520

7. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

9. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

10. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,516

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer network engineers

The easiest schools for computer network engineers to get into are Capitol Technology University, oklahoma wesleyan university, and oregon institute of technology.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer network engineer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer network engineers.

1. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

2. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

3. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

4. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

5. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

6. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

7. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

8. The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,035

9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,148

10. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

Average computer network engineer salary by education level

Computer network engineers with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $86,606 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, computer network engineers earn a median annual income of $84,010 compared to $77,174 for computer network engineers with an Associate degree.

Computer network engineer education level	Computer network engineer salary
Master's Degree	$86,606
High School Diploma or Less	$76,330
Bachelor's Degree	$84,010
Some College/ Associate Degree	$77,174

Computer network engineer education FAQs

What is the best college for Computer Network Engineers?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for computer network engineer jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs