A software engineering degree provides students with the skills and knowledge to design, build, and maintain software for various industries. Graduates are hired as software engineers, web developers, cyber security analysts, and programmers. There’s a high demand for software engineering graduates across all sectors, including automotive, aviation, defense, telecommunications, security, and data management.
The median annual salary for software developers is $132,270, nearly triple that of the average United States worker. Wages will vary depending on the position, location, and industry. Those in software publishing have an annual median salary of $143,210, while those who work in computer systems design have a median salary of $127,880.
The average annual cost for a bachelor’s degree in software engineering is $16,618, but it varies depending on the institution, program, and student housing requirements. Most programs require four years of full-time study; however, accelerated and part-time options are available. Students are required to complete between 120 and 180 credits to graduate.
How to Choose a Software Engineering Program
Choose your area of study
Students can pursue three degree levels in software engineering: associate, bachelor’s, and master’s.
Associate degrees are two-year programs that provide foundational knowledge of software engineering. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in the field or continue their studies with a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s degrees in software engineering are available as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering. These programs often require four years of full-time study and are prerequisites for most entry-level positions. Graduates work as software developers, software engineers, and systems analysts.
A master’s degree in software engineering is a graduate-level program typically requiring two years of full-time study. It provides students with an advanced understanding of software engineering and prepares them for leadership roles in development teams, research positions, and teaching careers.
Students in software engineering programs can select from various specialties on which to focus their coursework. Common concentration areas include cyber security, big data, game development, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
Research schools and programs
When researching schools, look for those accredited by recognized institutions, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Students who attend a school with regional accreditation will have an easier time transferring credits, receiving government loans, and getting hired after graduation.
Look for software engineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Programmatic accreditation ensures the curriculum meets universal quality standards and adequately prepares students for future careers.
You can learn more about prospective schools by gathering information in person and online. Consider visiting the school in person, browsing their website, attending an open house, and following them on social media. You can also speak with an admissions counselor to learn more about the school culture and gain insights into the program.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements for software engineering programs vary by school, but most require you to submit the following:
If English is not your first language, you must also take an English language proficiency test. Speak with an admissions advisor before submitting your application to review the required materials, deadlines, and fees.
Select your program
Review your logistical needs and career goals when selecting your program. If you receive acceptance letters from multiple schools, narrow them down by asking yourself the following questions:
- Is the program full-time or part-time?
- Do they offer synchronous or asynchronous learning options?
- Is the program online or in-person?
- What is the cost of the program?
- Do they have housing options?
Choose the program that will set you up for success and prepare you for your future career. For additional guidance, speak with an academic advisor. They’ll review your options and help you decide on the best option for your needs.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Calculate the annual cost of your program to determine whether you can pay for the degree yourself or require financial aid. Include academic costs, including tuition, fees, supplies, and living expenses like housing, transportation, and food.
Visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website and apply to learn the amount of financial assistance you’re eligible for, including scholarships, grants, work-study funds, and loans. You can also ask your employer if they offer employee tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Software Engineering Degree Programs
intelligent score 99.48
Award
Rankings
#3 Best Computer Science Schools
#5 College Rank
#9 USNews
#27 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
Irvine, CA
Graduation Rate: 86%
Admission Rate: 29%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
180
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$278
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
949-824-5156
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
180
intelligent score 98.89
Award
Rankings
#1 College Rank
#4 Best Computer Science Schools
#8 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
San Jose, CA
Graduation Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $294 - $434
Non-Resident: $714 - $854
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-924-1000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 98.16
Award
Rankings
#2 College Rank
#4 Best Accredited Colleges
#7 Best Computer Science Schools
School Information
Ames, IA
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
125
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $376
Out-of-State: $1,091
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
515-294-9067
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
125
intelligent score 97.61
Award
Rankings
#6 Best Computer Science Schools
#7 Best Accredited Colleges
#9 College Rank
School Information
Houghton, MI
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
125
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $682
Out-of-State: $1,519
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
906-487-1833
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
125
intelligent score 97.15
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Computer Science Schools
#4 College Rank
#18 Best Accredited Colleges
School Information
San Luis Obispo, CA
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 33%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
183-184
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $196 - $289
Non-Resident: $476 - $569
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-756-1111
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
183-184
intelligent score 97.02
Award
Rankings
#2 Best Accredited Colleges
#14 Best Computer Science Schools
#14 College Rank
School Information
University Park, PA
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
123-124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $512
Non-Resident: $870
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
814-898-6000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
123-124
intelligent score 96.31
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Accredited Colleges
#6 College Rank
#24 Best Computer Science Schools
School Information
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $807
Non-Resident: $1,310
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-278-5080
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 96.03
Award
Rankings
#9 Best Computer Science Schools
#10 Best Accredited Colleges
#13 College Rank
School Information
Richardson, TX
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
123
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $485
Non-Resident: $1,335
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
972-883-2270
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
123
intelligent score 95.59
Award
Rankings
#7 USNews
School Information
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
180
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $241
Out-of-State: $867
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
425-352-3746
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
180
intelligent score 94.63
Award
Rankings
#9 Best Accredited Colleges
#10 Best Computer Science Schools
#24 College Rank
School Information
Oxford, OH
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$609
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
513-529-0340
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 94.49
Award
Rankings
School Information
Butte, MT
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $254
Non-Resident: $691
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
406-496-4796
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 93.11
Award
Rankings
School Information
Kennesaw, GA
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $185
Out-of-State: $654
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
470-578-3790
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 92.93
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lincoln, NE
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $384
Out-of-State: $1,120
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
402-472-2401
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
intelligent score 92.54
Award
Rankings
School Information
Auburn, AL
Graduation Rate: 78%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $409
Non-Resident: $1,227
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
334-844-2308
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
intelligent score 92.53
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pullman, WA
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
121
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $548
Out-of-State: $1,352
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
509-335-6602
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
121
intelligent score 92.05
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fort Myers, FL
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 77%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $203
Out-of-State: $838
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
239-590-1000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 89.46
Award
Rankings
School Information
Crookston, MN
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 72%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$441
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
218-281-8569
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 86.65
Award
Rankings
School Information
Edmond, OK
Graduation Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $242
Out-of-State: $362
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-974-2000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
intelligent score 85.85
Award
Rankings
School Information
Valley City, ND
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
121
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $220 - $275
Out-of-State: $386
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-532-8641
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
121
intelligent score 85.76
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dearborn, MI
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $606
Non-Resident: $1,290
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
313-436-9145
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 85.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Platteville, WI
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $274
Out-of-State: $647
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-897-5288
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 84.39
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Cloud, MN
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $341 - $360
Non-Resident: $733
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
320-308-0121
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
intelligent score 82.72
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
186.5
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,311
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-895-2000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
186.5
intelligent score 81.76
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hoboken, NJ
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
134
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,034
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
201-216-8025
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
134
intelligent score 81.51
Award
Rankings
School Information
Milwaukee, WI
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,264
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-332-6763
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
intelligent score 81.40
Award
Rankings
School Information
Greenville, NC
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 94%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $250
Non-Resident: $793
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
252-328-9680
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 81.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Shippensburg, PA
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 94%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $319
Out-of-State: $725
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
717-477-7447
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 79.66
Award
Rankings
School Information
Oswego, NY
Graduation Rate: 66%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $294
Out-of-State: $707
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-312-2500
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 79.48
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bowling Green, OH
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $483
Non-Resident: $815
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
419-372-2531
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
intelligent score 78.63
Award
Rankings
School Information
Greeley, CO
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $404
Non-Resident: $882
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
970-351-1890
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 77.36
Award
Rankings
School Information
Orem, UT
Graduation Rate: 41%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $215
Out-of-State: $666
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-863-8888
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 76.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Melbourne, FL
Graduation Rate: 14%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
127
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,174 - $1,859
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
321-674-8000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
127
intelligent score 76.3
Award
Rankings
School Information
Randolph, VT
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 56%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $613
Out-of-State: $1,172
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-369-1972
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
intelligent score 76.10
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mississippi State, MS
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
128
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $402
Out-of-State: $1,100
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-325-2756
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
128
intelligent score 76
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rexburg, ID
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 97%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Member: $194
Non-Member: $388
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
208-496-1411
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 74.49
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rochester, NY
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
127
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,620 - $2,430
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
585-475-2411
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
127
intelligent score 73.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Klamath Falls, OR
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
181
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $233 - $349
Non-Resident: $742
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-422-2017
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
181
intelligent score 73.69
Award
Rankings
School Information
Ephraim, UT
Graduation Rate: 40%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124-125
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $105
Non-Resident: $384
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
435-283-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124-125
intelligent score 72.40
Award
Rankings
School Information
Daytona Beach, FL
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 72%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,325 - $1,767
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
386-226-6100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 71.53
Award
Rankings
School Information
Warrensburg, MO
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $277
Out-of-State: $555
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
660-543-4111
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 71.15
Award
Rankings
School Information
Arlington, TX
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 93%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $405
Non-Resident: $1,048
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
817-272-2011
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
intelligent score 70.80
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Rankings
School Information
Angola, IN
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
128
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,290
accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
260-665-4100
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
128
intelligent score 70.45
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Rankings
School Information
Fort Wayne, IN
Graduation Rate: 16%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
126
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$856 - $1,284
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
260-422-5561
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
126
intelligent score 70.29
Award
Rankings
School Information
Oskaloosa, IA
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$420
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-779-7366
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best software engineering degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a reputable organization that assesses engineering programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of software engineering degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Software Engineering Program?
A software engineering degree gives students an in-depth understanding of software, programming, and computer science concepts. Programs often consist of core courses, in which students will learn the fundamentals of software engineering, and elective courses, which allow students to tailor coursework to their specializations. Typical course topics include the design, usability, testing, modeling, and implementation of software systems.
Students use various learning methods, including labs, lectures, exams, and projects. Programs often emphasize group work, as teamwork is crucial to software engineering and development. The degree usually concludes with an internship or capstone project that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they learned throughout the program.
Potential courses you’ll take in a software engineering program
- Data Structures. Students learn the fundamental concepts of data structures, including data types, algorithms, sorting, text processing, and analysis.
- Systems Programming. This course covers the development of programs that provide services to software developers. Topics include process creation, linking and libraries, performance measurement, and socket programming.
- Software Processes and Management. Students will learn about the software development process and related management issues. Course topics include process models, tools, software maintenance, configuration management, and team management.
- Concurrent Computing. Students explore the concepts and techniques of concurrent computing, including processes and threads, semaphores, monitors, deadlock, message passing, and mutual exclusion.
- Introduction to Combinatorics. This course provides a fundamental understanding of combinatorics. Topics include set theory, integers, functions and relations, permutations, combinations, and graphs.
Software Engineering Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a software engineering degree program?
Visit the program page of your prospective school to determine the admission requirements and deadline. Most software engineering programs require you to submit your high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. As requirements vary by school, speaking with an admissions advisor to review the application process and ensure you have the required materials is essential.
How much does a software engineering degree cost?
The average annual price for an undergraduate software engineering degree is $16,618, but it varies by school and program. Students should consider additional costs that may increase this, such as housing, transportation, supplies, and living expenses. Part-time students may incur lower annual fees due to the reduced credits taken per year.
How long does it take to earn a software engineering degree?
Most software engineering degrees require four years of full-time study and 120 to 180 credits for graduation. Part-time and asynchronous programs are available, which allow students to complete the program at their own pace. Some institutions also offer accelerated programs that take two to three years to complete.