Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in California 2025
University of California-Berkeley
994 Software Engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
University of California-Irvine
710 Software Engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
University of California-San Diego
692 Software Engineering graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.California has 25+ ABET-accredited software engineering programs across UC, CSU, and private universities specializing in full-stack development
- 2.Stanford University ranks #1 in California with 94% graduation rate and direct recruiting from Google, Apple, Meta, and Netflix
- 3.UC Berkeley offers top-tier software engineering education at $14,312 in-state tuition—less than 1/4 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.California software engineers earn median $159,890 annually—highest in the nation and 41% above the national median
- 5.Silicon Valley hosts 3,000+ tech companies providing abundant internship and full-time opportunities for graduates
Software Engineering Education Landscape in California
California leads the nation in software engineering education, offering programs that combine rigorous computer science fundamentals with hands-on software development lifecycle (SDLC) training. The state's proximity to Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to industry internships, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Our ranking focuses on programs specifically designed for software engineering, emphasizing practical skills in agile development, system design, and software architecture. For broader computer science programs, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering career outcomes should review our software engineer salary guide for detailed California compensation data.
California's software engineering programs stand out for their industry partnerships, with companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Netflix actively recruiting graduates. The Software Engineering Degree Hub provides comprehensive information about curriculum expectations and career pathways.
California Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 92.9 |
| 3 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 88.8 |
| 4 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | 87.5 |
| 5 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 85.6 |
| 6 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 85.1 |
| 7 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | 83.5 |
| 8 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 83.1 |
| 9 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | Public | $5,742 | 83% | — | 77.9 |
| 10 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 77.3 |
| 11 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | — | 77 |
| 12 | University of California-Merced | Merced, CA | Public | $11,834 | 95% | — | 76 |
| 13 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | — | 74.2 |
| 14 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | Public | $5,742 | 73% | — | 73.6 |
| 15 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | — | 72.6 |
| 16 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | Public | $5,742 | 87% | — | 72.1 |
| 17 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 70.6 |
| 18 | California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | Public | $5,742 | 92% | — | 67.6 |
| 19 | California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | Public | $5,742 | 95% | — | 67.4 |
| 20 | California State University-Monterey Bay | Seaside, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | — | 64.9 |
| 21 | California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA | Public | $5,742 | 65% | — | 64.6 |
| 22 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | — | 63.7 |
| 23 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | 63.4 |
| 24 | California State University-San Marcos | San Marcos, CA | Public | $5,742 | 96% | — | 63 |
| 25 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private | $55,690 | 97% | — | 62.2 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in California: Side-by-Side
| School | USC | UC Berkeley | UC Irvine | UC San Diego | UCLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $66,640 | $11,834 | $11,834 | $11,834 | $11,834 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 96% | 96% | 81% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 1264 | 994 | 710 | 692 | 402 |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% | 12% | 26% | 25% | 9% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 97.3/100 | 89.4/100 | 85.3/100 | 84.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in California
California offers 59 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Irvine, University of California-San Diego. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $102,039 in the California 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 California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UC Berkeley | $11,834 | 96% | 994 | 97.3 |
| #2 UC Irvine | $11,834 | 96% | 710 | 89.4 |
| #3 UC San Diego | $11,834 | 81% | 692 | 85.3 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in California
For graduate study, California offers 39 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Southern California, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Irvine. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in California reaching $189,501 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 1264 | 100.0 |
| #2 UC San Diego | $11,834 | 81% | 585 | 83.1 |
| #3 UC Irvine | $11,834 | 96% | 316 | 80.2 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in California
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in California are at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($5,742/year), San Diego State University ($5,742/year), San Jose State University ($5,742/year). These programs offer strong ROI given California's competitive tech salaries.
At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,968 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $102,039, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in California (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 California Polytechnic... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 San Diego State | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 San Jose State | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 1,264 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 1,264 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (1,264 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
USC offers a joint Computer Engineering and Computer Science degree administered by both Computer Science and Electrical Engineering departments, providing comprehensive integration of hardware and software technologies. The program includes a Progressive Degree Program allowing students to earn both BS and MS degrees in five years, with strong industry partnerships including Amazon, Meta, and Capital One centers.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Two math courses (either calculus or higher level math beyond calculus) with minimum of Calculus II
- •Two lab-based science courses (chemistry or calculus-based physics) or programming courses
- •Completion of equivalent of WRIT 130/150
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128 units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 994 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 97.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 994 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 97.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (994 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 710 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 26%
- • Ranking Score: 89.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 710 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 89.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (710 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (26% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Software Engineering major at UCI is hands-on with students continuously designing and building software from first courses through a two-quarter capstone with outside organizations. The program embraces newest trends and technologies, preparing students for diverse industries from startups to major technology corporations.
Admission Prerequisites
- •one year of approved calculus
- •one year of object-oriented programming (python, java, C++)
- •completion of lower-division writing
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 692 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 25%
- • Ranking Score: 85.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 692 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 85.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (692 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (25% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering MS program offers flexible study options for working professionals with both thesis and comprehensive exam tracks. The program provides strong breadth and depth requirements across Theory, Systems, and Applications areas, with opportunities for interdisciplinary study.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introduction to programming (computer science I)
- •Data structures (computer science II)
- •Computer organization and assembly language
- •Single variable calculus for STEM majors (one-year sequence)
- •Multivariable calculus
- •Discrete mathematics
- •Linear algebra
- •Differential equations
- •Calculus-based physics (one-year sequence with labs; topics covered must include mechanics and electromagnetism)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 402 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 84.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 402 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (402 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Full-stack development, system design, and software architecture roles at tech companies
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299CI/CD pipeline management, infrastructure automation, and cloud deployment
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-2051Machine learning model development, AI system implementation, and data pipeline engineering
California University Systems for Software Engineering
California's public university systems offer diverse pathways into software engineering careers, each with distinct advantages for different student profiles and career goals.
University of California (UC) System: The UC system provides research-focused software engineering education with strong theoretical foundations. UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine lead in software engineering with comprehensive curricula covering algorithms, software architecture, and distributed systems. UC programs typically require higher GPAs but offer exceptional value at $13,000-15,000 annual tuition for residents.
California State University (CSU) System: CSU schools like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Jose State, and Cal Poly Pomona focus on hands-on, industry-ready software engineering education. These programs emphasize practical skills, internship opportunities, and direct career preparation. CSU tuition ranges from $6,800-9,900 annually, making them highly affordable options for software engineering education.
Private Universities: Stanford, USC, and Santa Clara University offer premium software engineering education with smaller class sizes, extensive industry partnerships, and elite networking opportunities. While tuition exceeds $58,000 annually, these programs provide exceptional career outcomes and Silicon Valley access.
Students interested in online flexibility should explore our best online software engineering degrees guide, while budget-conscious students can review most affordable software engineering programs for cost-effective options.
Other Tech Degree Programs in California
Compare Software Engineering Programs by State
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
Virginia
Which Should You Choose?
- Direct access to Silicon Valley internships and career opportunities
- Highest software engineering salaries in the nation ($159,890 median)
- Proximity to 3,000+ tech companies for networking and mentorship
- World-class programs at UC Berkeley and Stanford
- Diverse climate and lifestyle options from San Diego to San Francisco
- Access to venture capital and startup ecosystem
- Lower cost of living and housing expenses
- More affordable tuition options outside California
- Less competitive admission requirements
- Different tech hub opportunities (Austin, Seattle, Boston)
- Reduced competition for internships and entry-level positions
- State income tax advantages in Texas or Washington
Frequently Asked Questions About California Software Engineering Programs
Based on 25 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 data, and institutional characteristics from 2023 reporting year
California software engineer salary data from May 2024 survey
Engineering program accreditation status and curriculum standards
Graduate employment outcomes and industry placement data from individual institutions
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.