Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Arizona 2025
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
799 Software Engineering graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of Arizona
223 Software Engineering graduates annually, 68% graduation rate
Northern Arizona University
84 Software Engineering graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
- 1.Arizona has 15+ accredited software engineering and related programs across public universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Arizona State University ranks #1 in Arizona with 82% graduation rate and partnerships with Intel, Honeywell, and PayPal
- 3.In-state tuition at Arizona public universities averages $12,824—significantly below national average of $24,030
- 4.Arizona software developers earn median $95,470 annually—competitive with national median of $99,700 (BLS Arizona OEWS 2024)
- 5.Phoenix and Tucson metro areas provide 15,800+ software developer jobs with major employers including Intel, Honeywell, PayPal, and American Express
Software Engineering Education in Arizona
Arizona offers quality software engineering programs at affordable public universities, with strong industry connections throughout the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. The state's growing tech sector, anchored by companies like Intel, Honeywell, and PayPal, provides excellent internship and career opportunities for graduates.
Arizona State University leads the state with the largest and most comprehensive program, while the University of Arizona offers strong research opportunities in Tucson. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering rankings. Career-focused students should review our software engineer salary guide for Arizona-specific compensation data.
Students interested in related fields can explore computer science programs in Arizona or consider data science programs in Arizona for analytics-focused careers. Those seeking faster entry into the field might consider software engineering bootcamps.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,308 | 81% | — | 75.2 |
| 2 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | — | 55.6 |
| 3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | Public | $11,015 | 98% | — | 52.2 |
| 4 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion | Scottsdale, AZ | Public | $11,308 | — | — | 51.3 |
| 5 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | Private | $40,680 | 82% | — | 47.1 |
| 6 | American InterContinental University System | Chandler, AZ | For-Profit | $11,650 | — | — | 44.5 |
| 7 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $16,390 | 34% | — | 42.7 |
| 8 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $9,552 | — | — | 42.3 |
| 9 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe, AZ | For-Profit | $18,462 | 74% | — | 38.2 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Arizona: Side-by-Side
| School | Arizona State University... | Arizona State University... | U of Arizona | Northern Arizona | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,308 | $11,308 | $11,546 | $11,015 | $40,680 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | N/A% | 68% | 98% | 82% |
| Annual Graduates | 799 | 362 | 223 | 84 | 32 |
| Acceptance Rate | 90% | 64% | 86% | 91% | 75% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 75.2/100 | 60.7/100 | 55.6/100 | 54.8/100 | 47.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Arizona
Arizona offers 9 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Arizona State University Campus Immersion, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,151 in the Arizona market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Arizona
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | 81% | 799 | 75.2 |
| #2 U of Arizona | $11,546 | 68% | 223 | 55.6 |
| #3 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | 98% | 84 | 54.8 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Arizona
For graduate study, Arizona offers 7 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Arizona State University Digital Immersion, Northern Arizona University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Arizona reaching $137,709 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Arizona
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | 81% | 1049 | 75.2 |
| #2 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | N/A% | 362 | 60.7 |
| #3 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | 98% | 79 | 53.0 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Arizona
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Arizona are at Aspen University ($6,210/year), University of Phoenix-Arizona ($9,552/year), Northern Arizona University ($11,015/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Arizona's competitive tech salaries.
At Aspen University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $24,840 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $74,151, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Arizona (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Aspen | $6,210 | $24,840 | 0.6 years | For-Profit |
| #2 U of Phoenix-Arizona | $9,552 | $38,208 | 1 years | For-Profit |
| #3 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | $44,060 | 1.1 years | Public |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,308 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 799 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 75.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 799 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (799 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ASU's Software Engineering program offers a unique, project-driven curriculum with ABET accreditation, combining engineering principles with hands-on software construction through engaged learning and team-based development projects. Students can pursue accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree options in as little as five years across multiple specializations.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,308 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 362 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 60.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 362 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (362 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (64% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,546 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 68% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 223 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 55.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 68% graduation rate
- 223 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (68%), program size (223 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,015 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 84 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 54.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 84 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This program uniquely requires all graduates to complete the IEEE Computer Society Professional Software Developer (PSD) Certification and offers the opportunity to earn AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certification. Students work with real-world clients on capstone projects and can specialize in areas like cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and human-computer interaction.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MAT 121 or MAT 136 with a grade of C or better
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,680 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 47.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 32 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (75% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Embry-Riddle's Software Engineering program offers hands-on experience through specialized labs and prepares graduates with teamwork experience, software architecture knowledge, and quality assurance skills for careers ranging from aerospace software to video game development. With a high placement rate of 93.8% and competitive starting salaries averaging $85,800, graduates are well-positioned for success at top companies.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $85,800 annually as of 2022
- Job Placement: 93.8% within a year of graduation
- Top Employers: Northrop-Grumman, American Express, Garmin, The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Amazon
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications for companies across Arizona's diverse tech sector
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Streamline development and deployment processes for major Arizona employers like Intel and Honeywell
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop AI solutions for Arizona's growing tech sector including autonomous vehicle and aerospace applications
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets for defense contractors and financial services companies in Arizona
Arizona University Systems and Software Engineering Programs
Arizona's public higher education system provides affordable, quality software engineering education through the Arizona Board of Regents universities. The three main public universities each offer distinct advantages for software engineering students.
Arizona State University dominates the state's software engineering landscape with multiple campuses and the largest program. The Tempe campus houses the flagship software engineering program within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. ASU also offers software engineering-related programs at its West (Glendale) and Polytechnic (Mesa) campuses, providing options for students across the Phoenix metro area.
University of Arizona in Tucson offers a more traditional research university experience with strong ties to aerospace and defense industries. The program benefits from UA's overall engineering reputation and research focus. Students interested in artificial intelligence programs in Arizona will find excellent opportunities at UA's machine learning research labs.
Northern Arizona University provides the most intimate learning environment among the three public universities. Located in the mountain town of Flagstaff, NAU appeals to students seeking smaller classes and more personalized attention from faculty.
Arizona's community college system also provides pathways into software engineering through articulation agreements with the universities. Students can complete general education requirements at lower cost before transferring. Those exploring alternative paths might consider cybersecurity programs in Arizona or information technology programs in Arizona.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Arizona
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
New York
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable in-state tuition averaging $12,824 annually
- Growing tech sector with major employers like Intel, Honeywell, and PayPal
- Year-round internship and job opportunities in Phoenix and Tucson
- Lower cost of living compared to California or New York tech hubs
- Strong university systems with ABET-accredited programs
- Access to aerospace and defense industry opportunities
- Top-tier national program rankings (consider California or Massachusetts)
- Larger tech ecosystem with more startup opportunities
- Coastal tech hub access for major FAANG companies
- More diverse climate and geography options
- Stronger venture capital and startup funding environment
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Software Engineering Programs
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific software engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data from 2023
May 2024 salary data for software developers in Arizona
Official data on Arizona public university programs and costs
Engineering and computing program accreditation status verification
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.