Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Arizona 2025
Arizona State University
Largest software engineering program in Arizona with strong industry partnerships including Intel, Honeywell, and PayPal
University of Arizona
ABET-accredited program with excellent research opportunities and strong connections to Tucson's growing tech sector
Northern Arizona University
Small class sizes with 16:1 student-faculty ratio and hands-on project-based learning approach
- 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.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Arizona May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility to faculty
Arizona-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
ABET accreditation and industry partnerships
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | Tempe | Public | $12,691 | 82% | 19:1 | 92.4 |
| 2 | University of Arizona | Tucson | Public | $13,217 | 78% | 17:1 | 89.1 |
| 3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff | Public | $12,564 | 74% | 16:1 | 86.7 |
| 4 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix | Private | $17,800 | 71% | 20:1 | 82.3 |
| 5 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe | Private | $23,424 | 68% | 14:1 | 79.8 |
| 6 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Prescott | Private | $39,024 | 73% | 16:1 | 78.9 |
| 7 | Arizona State University - West | Glendale | Public | $12,691 | 69% | 21:1 | 77.5 |
| 8 | Arizona State University - Polytechnic | Mesa | Public | $12,691 | 67% | 22:1 | 76.2 |
| 9 | DeVry University - Arizona | Phoenix | Private | $14,392 | 62% | 18:1 | 73.1 |
| 10 | Arizona Western College | Yuma | Public | $3,090 | 58% | 24:1 | 71.4 |
| 11 | Cochise College | Sierra Vista | Public | $3,200 | 55% | 26:1 | 68.9 |
| 12 | Phoenix College | Phoenix | Public | $2,640 | 52% | 28:1 | 67.2 |
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Average starting salary of $78,500 for recent graduates
- • Over 200 software engineering graduates annually
- • Strong alumni network throughout Arizona tech industry
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with specialization tracks
- Strong industry partnerships with Intel, Honeywell, PayPal, American Express, and Wells Fargo
- State-of-the-art facilities including the Software Factory and Innovation Labs
- Comprehensive curriculum covering software development lifecycle, testing, and project management
- Active research in AI, cybersecurity, and software verification
Why Ranked #1
ASU ranks #1 in Arizona for software engineering due to its comprehensive ABET-accredited program, strong industry partnerships, and excellent career outcomes. The program boasts an 82% graduation rate and places graduates at top tech companies including Intel, Honeywell, and PayPal.
Student Reviews
"ASU's software engineering program gave me both the technical skills and industry connections I needed. The capstone projects with real companies were invaluable experience."
— 2024 Graduate
"The faculty are excellent and many have industry experience. The program is rigorous but well-structured with good support systems."
— Current Senior
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 78% graduation rate with strong retention
- • Active participation in ACM programming competitions
- • Research opportunities available starting sophomore year
- • Strong placement at aerospace and defense contractors
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited program with strong computer science foundations
- Excellent research opportunities in software verification and AI
- Small class sizes with 17:1 student-faculty ratio
- Strong connections to Tucson tech companies including Raytheon and IBM
- Comprehensive internship program with local and national companies
Why Ranked #2
The University of Arizona offers a strong ABET-accredited software engineering program with excellent research opportunities and connections to Tucson's growing tech sector. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 74% graduation rate with high student satisfaction
- • Active student organizations including ACM chapter
- • Affordable tuition at $12,564 in-state
- • Strong alumni network in Arizona tech industry
Program Strengths
- Small class sizes with 16:1 student-faculty ratio
- Project-based learning with real-world applications
- Strong support services and academic advising
- Growing partnerships with Phoenix area tech companies
- Beautiful mountain campus environment
Why Ranked #3
NAU provides an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and personalized attention. The program focuses on hands-on learning and project-based curriculum, making it ideal for students who prefer collaborative learning environments.
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.
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
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
New York
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
| Cost Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,824 | $29,450 | $23,612 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $51,296 | $117,800 | $94,448 |
| Financial Aid Available | State grants + federal | Federal aid only | Institutional aid |
| Class Sizes | 18-22 students | 18-22 students | 14-20 students |
| Research Opportunities | Excellent (ASU, UA) | Excellent (ASU, UA) | Limited |
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
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.