How do Arizona State and the University of Washington compare for undergraduate computer engineering?

The biggest practical tradeoff is a more tightly structured, capacity-conscious computer engineering experience at the University of Washington versus a more flexible and predictable engineering pathway at Arizona State. UW’s Computer Engineering major is housed in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, where admission status matters greatly; entering as a direct-to-major student provides the clearest route. ASU’s Computer Engineering BSE, in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, is a strong option with substantial scale, course availability, and room to combine hardware interests with electives or projects.

For hardware, embedded systems, and computer architecture, UW has the stronger academic ecosystem. Its computer engineering curriculum and research culture are closely tied to systems, architecture, digital design, and low-level software, and students can also draw on relevant electrical and computer engineering coursework and labs. The Allen School’s concentration of computing faculty, advanced systems work, and undergraduate research opportunities can be especially valuable if you may pursue graduate school, architecture research, or highly technical hardware-software roles.

ASU offers a very practical computer engineering education with coursework in areas such as digital systems, microprocessors, embedded design, and computer organization. Its large engineering community can make it easier to find specialized electives, student project teams, and interdisciplinary options, including robotics, semiconductor-related work, and entrepreneurship.

For the specific interests you named, UW is the more compelling academic choice if you are directly admitted to Computer Engineering and the cost is manageable. ASU becomes the wiser decision when it offers materially better affordability, a clearer admission path, or the flexibility to build a hardware-focused program through its broader engineering offerings.