Suggestions for the best computer engineering colleges in NC?

I'm interested in a computer engineering degree and am considering schools in North Carolina. Can you suggest some of the best programs there? Any advice on what to consider when choosing?

Certainly! North Carolina is host to several excellent colleges and universities that offer strong programs in Computer Engineering.

Here are some of the most notable:

1. North Carolina State University: NC State has one of the strongest Computer Engineering programs in the state. Their engineering program has a stellar reputation and consistently ranks highly on national rankings. The Department of Computer Science is part of the university's College of Engineering and they have a strong focus on both theoretical and applied computing, which could offer a well-rounded perspective in your studies.

2. Duke University: Their Pratt School of Engineering, specifically the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers an extremely competitive curriculum. Duke's Computer Engineering program combines the best of electrical engineering and computer science, preparing students to work on systems that range from embedded microcontrollers to networked information systems, to high-performance processors.

3. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: While Chapel Hill is more known for its Computer Science program rather than a dedicated Computer Engineering program, it is still worth considering due to the strength of its coursework, faculty, and resources.

When choosing a program, besides examining the curriculum, I suggest taking into account factors such as research opportunities, internships or co-op programs for practical experience, faculty expertise, and the resources/support available for students (like career services, academic advising, etc). I would also recommend just getting a feel for the campus culture—whether through virtual tours, connecting with current students or alumni, or, if possible, visiting the campus in person. Although academics are important, your college experience will also be shaped by the community and environment, so it's crucial to ensure it would be a good fit for you.

Lastly, although post-graduate outcomes should not be your only deciding factor, do check the universities' career services reports to get a sense of where their Computer Engineering graduates end up (for example, what kind of companies they work for, how many got jobs right after graduation, etc). It might provide some insights into what you can expect after graduation.