Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: UC Berkeley, U of California-Irvine, U of California-San Diego

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $1,104 to $66,640/year

Diablo Valley College offers the most affordable option at $1,288/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 86 associate's, 39 master's, 16 doctoral programs available in California

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

31 California programs offer online or hybrid formats

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

California community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

86 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Google, Apple, Meta, Netflix

Tech hubs in San Francisco and San Jose

Hakia Research 2026

Software Engineering programs available near 231+ cities across California

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page

$145,770

Is Software Engineering in California Worth It?

Yes. Software Engineering degrees in California deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $145,770 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $12,043/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

86 programs•$145,770 median salary•79% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$1,217/yr

Avg Tuition

79%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California offers 86 accredited associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Diablo Valley College, De Anza College, Orange Coast College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.

Costs & Value

Community colleges in California offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $1,217/yr—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $80,174 in California.

Career Pathways

Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with California's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Google, Apple, Meta hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.

Curriculum & Specializations

Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among software engineering schools in California, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in California.

🥇

Diablo Valley College

Public

Pleasant Hill, CA

$1,288

Tuition/yr

57.7

Score

Website

Visit Diablo Valley College

🥈

De Anza College

Public

Cupertino, CA

$1,395

Tuition/yr

56.5

Score

Website

🥉

Orange Coast College

Public

Costa Mesa, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

56.2

Score

Website

Grossmont College

Public

El Cajon, CA

$1,288

Tuition/yr

54.3

Score

Website

Santa Monica College

Public

Santa Monica, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

95%

Grad Rate

65.9

Score

Website

Clovis Community College

Public

Fresno, CA

$1,288

Tuition/yr

44.6

Score

Website

Citrus College

Public

Glendora, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

52.4

Score

Website

Irvine Valley College

Public

Irvine, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

52.3

Score

Website

San Diego Miramar College

Public

San Diego, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

52.2

Score

Website

#10

College of the Canyons

Public

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

52.2

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Associate's Degree Programs in California (86 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	Sierra College Public	Rocklin, CA	$1,104	—	52.2
#12	Riverside City College Public	Riverside, CA	$1,380	—	49.4
#13	Saddleback College Public	Mission Viejo, CA	$1,380	—	49.2
#14	Foothill College Public	Los Altos Hills, CA	$1,395	—	49.1
#15	Hartnell College Public	Salinas, CA	$1,380	—	49.0
#16	Moorpark College Public	Moorpark, CA	$1,340	—	48.9
#17	Mt San Jacinto Community College District Public	San Jacinto, CA	$1,380	—	41.4
#18	Bakersfield College Public	Bakersfield, CA	$1,380	—	48.5
#19	Yuba College Public	Marysville, CA	$1,104	—	48.4
#20	Southwestern College Public	Chula Vista, CA	$1,288	—	48.3
#21	College of San Mateo Public	San Mateo, CA	$1,288	—	48.2
#22	San Diego Mesa College Public	San Diego, CA	$1,104	—	48.2
#23	Fullerton College Public	Fullerton, CA	$1,104	—	48.1
#24	Norco College Public	Norco, CA	$1,380	—	48.1
#25	MiraCosta College Public	Oceanside, CA	$1,104	94%	58.9
#26	Mt San Antonio College Public	Walnut, CA	$1,288	—	48.0
#27	Santa Barbara City College Public	Santa Barbara, CA	$1,104	—	47.9
#28	Cerritos College Public	Norwalk, CA	$1,288	—	47.7
#29	Antelope Valley Community College District Public	Lancaster, CA	$1,104	82%	47.1
#30	Santa Rosa Junior College Public	Santa Rosa, CA	$1,242	—	47.5
#31	College of the Desert Public	Palm Desert, CA	$1,288	—	47.3
#32	Merced College Public	Merced, CA	$1,104	—	47.2
#33	Ohlone College Public	Fremont, CA	$1,104	—	47.2
#34	Evergreen Valley College Public	San Jose, CA	$1,288	—	47.2
#35	Allan Hancock College Public	Santa Maria, CA	$1,104	—	47.1
#36	Cabrillo College Public	Aptos, CA	$1,104	—	47.1
#37	Solano Community College Public	Fairfield, CA	$1,104	74%	45.0
#38	Gavilan College Public	Gilroy, CA	$1,444	—	47.1
#39	Chaffey College Public	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	$1,104	—	47.0
#40	Las Positas College Public	Livermore, CA	$1,104	—	47.0
#41	Reedley College Public	Reedley, CA	$1,288	—	47.0
#42	Modesto Junior College Public	Modesto, CA	$1,188	77%	53.8
#43	Palomar College Public	San Marcos, CA	$1,288	—	47.0
#44	Skyline College Public	San Bruno, CA	$1,288	—	47.0
#45	Cypress College Public	Cypress, CA	$1,104	68%	51.3
#46	Santiago Canyon College Public	Orange, CA	$1,104	—	46.8
#47	Crafton Hills College Public	Yucaipa, CA	$1,104	—	46.7
#48	Laney College Public	Oakland, CA	$1,104	—	46.7
#49	Santa Ana College Public	Santa Ana, CA	$1,104	—	46.7
#50	Butte College Public	Oroville, CA	$1,104	—	46.6
#51	Long Beach City College Public	Long Beach, CA	$1,472	—	46.4
#52	Cuyamaca College Public	El Cajon, CA	$1,288	—	46.2
#53	College of the Sequoias Public	Visalia, CA	$1,288	—	46.0
#54	San Bernardino Valley College Public	San Bernardino, CA	$1,104	—	45.9
#55	Imperial Valley College Public	Imperial, CA	$1,104	—	45.8
#56	Los Angeles Valley College Public	Valley Glen, CA	$1,196	—	45.8
#57	Los Medanos College Public	Pittsburg, CA	$1,288	—	45.8
#58	Moreno Valley College Public	Moreno Valley, CA	$1,380	—	45.8
#59	Los Angeles City College Public	Los Angeles, CA	$1,196	—	45.6
#60	San Joaquin Delta College Public	Stockton, CA	$1,288	—	45.6
#61	San Jose City College Public	San Jose, CA	$1,288	—	45.6
#62	Canada College Public	Redwood City, CA	$1,288	—	45.5
#63	Rio Hondo College Public	Whittier, CA	$1,306	65%	49.2
#64	Copper Mountain Community College Public	Joshua Tree, CA	$1,104	—	38.5
#65	Monterey Peninsula College Public	Monterey, CA	$1,104	—	45.1
#66	Pasadena City College Public	Pasadena, CA	$1,104	—	45.1
#67	West Los Angeles College Public	Culver City, CA	$1,196	—	45.1
#68	American River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	52.5
#69	Glendale Community College Public	Glendale, CA	$1,104	—	38.2
#70	Los Angeles Harbor College Public	Wilmington, CA	$1,196	—	44.9
#71	Columbia College Public	Sonora, CA	$1,465	—	44.9
#72	Los Angeles Mission College Public	Sylmar, CA	$1,196	—	44.7
#73	City College of San Francisco Public	San Francisco, CA	$0	—	52.0
#74	Berkeley City College Public	Berkeley, CA	$1,104	—	44.5
#75	Contra Costa College Public	San Pablo, CA	$1,288	—	44.5
#76	Madera Community College Public	Madera, CA	$1,288	—	37.8
#77	Los Angeles Southwest College Public	Los Angeles, CA	$1,196	—	44.2
#78	Barstow Community College Public	Barstow, CA	$1,104	—	37.3
#79	Golden West College Public	Huntington Beach, CA	$1,104	—	43.9
#80	Los Angeles Pierce College Public	Woodland Hills, CA	$1,196	—	43.9
#81	Folsom Lake College Public	Folsom, CA	$0	—	48.6
#82	Napa Valley College Public	Napa, CA	$1,104	—	43.5
#83	Mendocino College Public	Ukiah, CA	$1,380	—	43.5
#84	College of the Siskiyous Public	Weed, CA	$1,380	—	43.5
#85	Cosumnes River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	48.2
#86	Sacramento City College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	46.9

Online Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

53 programs•$145,770 median salary•79% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$1,217/yr

Avg Tuition

79%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

California's community colleges offer 53 online associate's software engineering programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include Diablo Valley College, De Anza College, Grossmont College, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online associate's programs average $1,201/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete 60 credit hours in 2 years while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online software engineering degrees in California, these accredited software engineering schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

🥇

Diablo Valley College

Public

Pleasant Hill, CA

$1,288

Tuition/yr

57.7

Score

Website

Visit Diablo Valley College

🥈

De Anza College

Public

Cupertino, CA

$1,395

Tuition/yr

56.5

Score

Website

🥉

Grossmont College

Public

El Cajon, CA

$1,288

Tuition/yr

54.3

Score

Website

Santa Monica College

Public

Santa Monica, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

95%

Grad Rate

65.9

Score

Website

Orange Coast College

Public

Costa Mesa, CA

$1,104

Tuition/yr

56.2

Score

Public

Mission Viejo, CA

$1,380

Tuition/yr

49.2

Score

Website

#10

Hartnell College

Public

Salinas, CA

$1,380

Tuition/yr

49.0

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Associate's Degree Programs in California (53 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	City College of San Francisco Public	San Francisco, CA	$0	—	52.0
#12	Southwestern College Public	Chula Vista, CA	$1,288	—	48.3
#13	College of San Mateo Public	San Mateo, CA	$1,288	—	48.2
#14	San Diego Mesa College Public	San Diego, CA	$1,104	—	48.2
#15	Mt San Antonio College Public	Walnut, CA	$1,288	—	48.0
#16	Santa Barbara City College Public	Santa Barbara, CA	$1,104	—	47.9
#17	Cerritos College Public	Norwalk, CA	$1,288	—	47.7
#18	Santa Rosa Junior College Public	Santa Rosa, CA	$1,242	—	47.5
#19	College of the Desert Public	Palm Desert, CA	$1,288	—	47.3
#20	Merced College Public	Merced, CA	$1,104	—	47.2
#21	Ohlone College Public	Fremont, CA	$1,104	—	47.2
#22	Allan Hancock College Public	Santa Maria, CA	$1,104	—	47.1
#23	Cabrillo College Public	Aptos, CA	$1,104	—	47.1
#24	Chaffey College Public	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	$1,104	—	47.0
#25	Las Positas College Public	Livermore, CA	$1,104	—	47.0
#26	Palomar College Public	San Marcos, CA	$1,288	—	47.0
#27	Skyline College Public	San Bruno, CA	$1,288	—	47.0
#28	Crafton Hills College Public	Yucaipa, CA	$1,104	—	46.7
#29	Santa Ana College Public	Santa Ana, CA	$1,104	—	46.7
#30	Butte College Public	Oroville, CA	$1,104	—	46.6
#31	San Bernardino Valley College Public	San Bernardino, CA	$1,104	—	45.9
#32	Imperial Valley College Public	Imperial, CA	$1,104	—	45.8
#33	Los Angeles Valley College Public	Valley Glen, CA	$1,196	—	45.8
#34	Los Medanos College Public	Pittsburg, CA	$1,288	—	45.8
#35	Los Angeles City College Public	Los Angeles, CA	$1,196	—	45.6
#36	San Joaquin Delta College Public	Stockton, CA	$1,288	—	45.6
#37	San Jose City College Public	San Jose, CA	$1,288	—	45.6
#38	Canada College Public	Redwood City, CA	$1,288	—	45.5
#39	Rio Hondo College Public	Whittier, CA	$1,306	65%	49.2
#40	Pasadena City College Public	Pasadena, CA	$1,104	—	45.1
#41	West Los Angeles College Public	Culver City, CA	$1,196	—	45.1
#42	American River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	52.5
#43	Glendale Community College Public	Glendale, CA	$1,104	—	38.2
#44	Los Angeles Harbor College Public	Wilmington, CA	$1,196	—	44.9
#45	Los Angeles Mission College Public	Sylmar, CA	$1,196	—	44.7
#46	Los Angeles Southwest College Public	Los Angeles, CA	$1,196	—	44.2
#47	Barstow Community College Public	Barstow, CA	$1,104	—	37.3
#48	Golden West College Public	Huntington Beach, CA	$1,104	—	43.9
#49	Folsom Lake College Public	Folsom, CA	$0	—	48.6
#50	Napa Valley College Public	Napa, CA	$1,104	—	43.5
#51	College of the Siskiyous Public	Weed, CA	$1,380	—	43.5
#52	Cosumnes River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	48.2
#53	Sacramento City College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	46.9

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

59 programs•$145,770 median salary•91% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$26,822/yr

Avg Tuition

91%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 59 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 31 public and 26 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are UC Berkeley, U of California-Irvine, U of California-San Diego, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from California software engineering programs earn a median salary of $123,905—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Google, Apple, Meta.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $5,742 to $66,640 annually, with an average of $26,822/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 100%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to California's leading technology employers. For students seeking software engineering degrees in California, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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🥇

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

97.3

Score

Website

Visit University of California-Berkeley

🥈

University of California-Irvine

Public

Irvine, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

92.9

Score

Website

🥉

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

81%

Grad Rate

88.8

Score

Website

University of California-Los Angeles

Public

Los Angeles, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

87.5

Score

Website

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

85.6

Score

Website

University of California-Santa Cruz

Public

Santa Cruz, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

93%

Grad Rate

85.1

Score

Website

University of California-Davis

Public

Davis, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

80.5

Score

Website

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Public

San Luis Obispo, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

100%

Grad Rate

80.7

Score

Website

San Diego State University

Public

San Diego, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

83%

Grad Rate

75.5

Score

Website

#10

San Jose State University

Public

San Jose, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

100%

Grad Rate

77.3

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs in California (59 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	University of California-Santa Barbara Public	Santa Barbara, CA	$11,834	90%	77.0
#12	University of California-Merced Public	Merced, CA	$11,834	95%	74.0
#13	Stanford University Private	Stanford, CA	$61,731	—	74.2
#14	California Institute of Technology Private	Pasadena, CA	$60,816	88%	73.0
#15	California State University-Long Beach Public	Long Beach, CA	$5,742	73%	73.6
#16	University of California-Riverside Public	Riverside, CA	$11,834	83%	72.6
#17	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Public	Pomona, CA	$5,742	87%	69.5
#18	California State University-Sacramento Public	Sacramento, CA	$5,742	92%	65.2
#19	California State University-Northridge Public	Northridge, CA	$5,742	95%	65.1
#20	Santa Clara University Private	Santa Clara, CA	$58,587	91%	66.6
#21	California State University-Monterey Bay Public	Seaside, CA	$5,742	99%	63.0
#22	California State University-Fullerton Public	Fullerton, CA	$5,742	65%	64.6
#23	Chapman University Private	Orange, CA	$62,400	93%	63.4
#24	California State University-Los Angeles Public	Los Angeles, CA	$5,742	99%	63.7
#25	California State University-San Marcos Public	San Marcos, CA	$5,742	96%	61.2
#26	University of San Diego Private	San Diego, CA	$55,690	97%	61.4
#27	Pitzer College Private	Claremont, CA	$62,392	96%	61.9
#28	Harvey Mudd College Private	Claremont, CA	$65,954	—	60.1
#29	Pomona College Private	Claremont, CA	$61,906	—	58.0
#30	California State University-Fresno Public	Fresno, CA	$5,742	97%	57.6
#31	San Francisco State University Public	San Francisco, CA	$5,742	—	53.9
#32	University of San Francisco Private	San Francisco, CA	$57,670	—	54.1
#33	Claremont McKenna College Private	Claremont, CA	$63,800	—	52.5
#34	Point Loma Nazarene University Private	San Diego, CA	$42,600	94%	50.9
#35	Dominican University of California Private	San Rafael, CA	$49,821	96%	50.3
#36	California State University-East Bay Public	Hayward, CA	$5,742	—	50.9
#37	Occidental College Private	Los Angeles, CA	$62,850	—	50.0
#38	Ashford University For-Profit	San Diego, CA	$12,240	—	49.1
#39	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	49.9
#40	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	47.3
#41	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	48.9
#42	Scripps College Private	Claremont, CA	$63,216	—	47.1
#43	California State University-Bakersfield Public	Bakersfield, CA	$5,742	—	45.7
#44	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	46.6
#45	University of Silicon Valley For-Profit	San Jose, CA	$21,480	—	45.3
#46	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	45.5
#47	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	45.4
#48	Biola University Private	La Mirada, CA	$46,704	—	44.3
#49	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	44.1
#50	Concordia University-Irvine Private	Irvine, CA	$40,510	—	43.5
#51	California State University-Stanislaus Public	Turlock, CA	$5,742	—	42.6
#52	California Baptist University Private	Riverside, CA	$37,570	—	42.8
#53	Sonoma State University Public	Rohnert Park, CA	$5,742	—	43.4
#54	California Lutheran University Private	Thousand Oaks, CA	$49,880	—	39.7
#55	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	40.3
#56	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Public	Arcata, CA	$5,742	—	39.1
#57	Azusa Pacific University Private	Azusa, CA	$42,900	—	39.5
#58	La Sierra University Private	Riverside, CA	$34,920	—	36.3
#59	Saint Mary's College of California Private	Moraga, CA	$55,634	—	36.4

Online Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

29 programs•$145,770 median salary•91% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$26,822/yr

Avg Tuition

91%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

29 California institutions offer bachelor's software engineering degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include UC Berkeley, Stanford, U of California-Riverside, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online bachelor's programs average $23,951/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete 120 credit hours in 4 years while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

🥇

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

97.3

Score

Website

Visit University of California-Berkeley

🥈

For-Profit

San Jose, CA

$21,480

Tuition/yr

45.3

Score

Website

Point Loma Nazarene University

Private

San Diego, CA

$42,600

Tuition/yr

94%

Grad Rate

50.9

Score

Website

Dominican University of California

Private

San Rafael, CA

$49,821

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

50.3

Score

Website

#10

Ashford University

For-Profit

San Diego, CA

$12,240

Tuition/yr

49.1

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs in California (29 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	49.9
#12	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	47.3
#13	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	48.9
#14	California State University-Bakersfield Public	Bakersfield, CA	$5,742	—	45.7
#15	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	46.6
#16	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	45.5
#17	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	45.4
#18	Biola University Private	La Mirada, CA	$46,704	—	44.3
#19	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	44.1
#20	Concordia University-Irvine Private	Irvine, CA	$40,510	—	43.5
#21	California State University-Stanislaus Public	Turlock, CA	$5,742	—	42.6
#22	California Baptist University Private	Riverside, CA	$37,570	—	42.8
#23	Sonoma State University Public	Rohnert Park, CA	$5,742	—	43.4
#24	California Lutheran University Private	Thousand Oaks, CA	$49,880	—	39.7
#25	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	40.3
#26	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Public	Arcata, CA	$5,742	—	39.1
#27	Azusa Pacific University Private	Azusa, CA	$42,900	—	39.5
#28	La Sierra University Private	Riverside, CA	$34,920	—	36.3
#29	Saint Mary's College of California Private	Moraga, CA	$55,634	—	36.4

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

39 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$17,266/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California offers 39 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—U of Southern California, U of California-San Diego, U of California-Irvine—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in California earn a median salary of $145,770, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Google, Apple, Meta actively recruiting from these programs.

Costs & Value

Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $17,266/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.

Curriculum & Specializations

Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among California's software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

🥇

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

Visit University of Southern California

🥈

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

81%

Grad Rate

88.6

Score

Website

🥉

University of California-Irvine

Public

Irvine, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

86.6

Score

Website

San Jose State University

Public

San Jose, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

100%

Grad Rate

76.3

Score

Website

University of California-Los Angeles

Public

Los Angeles, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

83.1

Score

Website

Santa Clara University

Private

Santa Clara, CA

$58,587

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

72.6

Score

Website

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition/yr

79.3

Score

Website

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Public

San Luis Obispo, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

100%

Grad Rate

75.8

Score

Website

University of California-Davis

Public

Davis, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

75.5

Score

Website

#10

University of California-Santa Barbara

Public

Santa Barbara, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

90%

Grad Rate

75.0

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Master's Degree Programs in California (39 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	California State University-Long Beach Public	Long Beach, CA	$5,742	73%	66.2
#12	University of California-Riverside Public	Riverside, CA	$11,834	83%	73.8
#13	San Diego State University Public	San Diego, CA	$5,742	83%	72.9
#14	University of California-Santa Cruz Public	Santa Cruz, CA	$11,834	93%	70.4
#15	University of California-Berkeley Public	Berkeley, CA	$11,834	96%	69.9
#16	California Institute of Technology Private	Pasadena, CA	$60,816	88%	67.5
#17	California State University-Northridge Public	Northridge, CA	$5,742	95%	67.2
#18	California State University-Los Angeles Public	Los Angeles, CA	$5,742	99%	55.9
#19	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Public	Pomona, CA	$5,742	87%	65.5
#20	University of California-Merced Public	Merced, CA	$11,834	95%	65.0
#21	California State University-Fullerton Public	Fullerton, CA	$5,742	65%	55.1
#22	University of San Francisco Private	San Francisco, CA	$57,670	—	48.4
#23	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	50.6
#24	California State University-Fresno Public	Fresno, CA	$5,742	97%	49.7
#25	California State University-San Marcos Public	San Marcos, CA	$5,742	96%	58.4
#26	California State University-Sacramento Public	Sacramento, CA	$5,742	92%	58.3
#27	California State University-East Bay Public	Hayward, CA	$5,742	—	46.3
#28	Naval Postgraduate School Public	Monterey, CA	$0	—	47.8
#29	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	46.3
#30	Northcentral University Private	San Diego, CA	$11,064	—	52.1
#31	San Francisco State University Public	San Francisco, CA	$5,742	—	51.8
#32	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	44.0
#33	Sofia University For-Profit	Palo Alto, CA	$18,000	—	44.5
#34	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	38.8
#35	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	38.4
#36	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	37.3
#37	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	46.3
#38	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	37.0
#39	Sonoma State University Public	Rohnert Park, CA	$5,742	—	34.9

Online Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

15 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$17,266/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

Working professionals can advance their careers through 15 online master's software engineering programs from California universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include Stanford, U of California-Riverside, California State Universi..., all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online master's programs average $17,023/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete 30-36 credit hours in 18-24 months while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

🥇

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition/yr

79.3

Score

Website

Visit Stanford University

🥈

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

83%

Grad Rate

73.8

Score

Website

🥉

California State University-Fullerton

Public

Fullerton, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

65%

Grad Rate

55.1

Score

Website

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

69.9

Score

Website

California State University-San Marcos

Public

San Marcos, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

58.4

Score

Website

William Jessup University

Private

Rocklin, CA

$36,000

Tuition/yr

90%

Grad Rate

50.6

Score

Website

National University

Private

San Diego, CA

$13,320

Tuition/yr

46.3

Score

Website

San Francisco Bay University

Private

Fremont, CA

$7,920

Tuition/yr

44.0

Score

Website

Sofia University

For-Profit

Palo Alto, CA

$18,000

Tuition/yr

44.5

Score

Website

#10

California State University-Chico

Public

Chico, CA

$5,742

Tuition/yr

38.8

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Master's Degree Programs in California (15 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	38.4
#12	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	46.3
#13	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	37.3
#14	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	37.0
#15	Sonoma State University Public	Rohnert Park, CA	$5,742	—	34.9

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

16 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$24,739/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California is home to 16 doctoral programs in software engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Southern California, UC Berkeley, U of California-Irvine are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.

Career Outcomes

Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with California PhD holders earning a median of $182,213—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Google, Apple, Meta.

Costs & Value

PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.

Curriculum & Specializations

Research strengths across California programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing software engineering degrees in California, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

🥇

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

Visit University of Southern California

🥈

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

🥉

University of California-Irvine

Public

Irvine, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

65.3

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

81%

Grad Rate

61.7

Score

Website

University of California-Los Angeles

Public

Los Angeles, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

66.3

Score

Public

Davis, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

81.5

Score

Website

#10

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

83%

Grad Rate

52.2

Score

Website

All Software Engineering Doctoral Degree Programs in California (16 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	University of California-Merced Public	Merced, CA	$11,834	95%	67.8
#12	California Institute of Technology Private	Pasadena, CA	$60,816	88%	63.8
#13	Santa Clara University Private	Santa Clara, CA	$58,587	91%	63.5
#14	San Diego State University Public	San Diego, CA	$5,742	83%	59.2
#15	Northcentral University Private	San Diego, CA	$11,064	—	44.9
#16	Naval Postgraduate School Public	Monterey, CA	$0	—	49.3

Online Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

3 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$24,739/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

3 California universities offer doctoral software engineering programs with online or hybrid components, accommodating established professionals pursuing terminal degrees. Top-ranked online programs include Stanford, UC Berkeley, U of California-Riverside, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online doctoral programs average $28,466/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete doctoral requirements in 3-5 years while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

🥇

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition/yr

61.8

Score

Website

Visit Stanford University

🥈

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

96%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

🥉

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition/yr

83%

Grad Rate

52.2

Score

Website

Complete Software Engineering Degree Program Rankings in California

Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Program Landscape California offers **86 accredited** associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Diablo Valley College**, **De Anza College**, **Orange Coast College**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in California offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$1,217/yr**—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging **$80,174** in California. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with California's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Google, Apple, Meta hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions. ### Curriculum & Specializations Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among software engineering schools in California, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in California.

#1. Diablo Valley College
Hakia ranks Diablo Valley College as the #1 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Pleasant Hill, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 57.7.
#2. De Anza College
Hakia ranks De Anza College as the #2 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Cupertino, CA has annual tuition of $1,395. Ranking score: 56.5.
#3. Orange Coast College
Hakia ranks Orange Coast College as the #3 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Costa Mesa, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 56.2.
#4. Grossmont College
Hakia ranks Grossmont College as the #4 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in El Cajon, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 54.3.
#5. Santa Monica College
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #5 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Monica, CA has annual tuition of $1,104 and a 95% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.9.
#6. Clovis Community College
Hakia ranks Clovis Community College as the #6 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fresno, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 44.6.
#7. Citrus College
Hakia ranks Citrus College as the #7 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Glendora, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 52.4.
#8. Irvine Valley College
Hakia ranks Irvine Valley College as the #8 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Irvine, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 52.3.
#9. San Diego Miramar College
Hakia ranks San Diego Miramar College as the #9 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 52.2.
#10. College of the Canyons
Hakia ranks College of the Canyons as the #10 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Clarita, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 52.2.
#11. Sierra College
Hakia ranks Sierra College as the #11 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Rocklin, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 52.2.
#12. Riverside City College
Hakia ranks Riverside City College as the #12 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Riverside, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 49.4.
#13. Saddleback College
Hakia ranks Saddleback College as the #13 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Mission Viejo, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 49.2.
#14. Foothill College
Hakia ranks Foothill College as the #14 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Altos Hills, CA has annual tuition of $1,395. Ranking score: 49.1.
#15. Hartnell College
Hakia ranks Hartnell College as the #15 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Salinas, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 49.0.
#16. Moorpark College
Hakia ranks Moorpark College as the #16 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Moorpark, CA has annual tuition of $1,340. Ranking score: 48.9.
#17. Mt San Jacinto Community College District
Hakia ranks Mt San Jacinto Community College District as the #17 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Jacinto, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 41.4.
#18. Bakersfield College
Hakia ranks Bakersfield College as the #18 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Bakersfield, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 48.5.
#19. Yuba College
Hakia ranks Yuba College as the #19 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Marysville, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 48.4.
#20. Southwestern College
Hakia ranks Southwestern College as the #20 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Chula Vista, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 48.3.
#21. College of San Mateo
Hakia ranks College of San Mateo as the #21 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Mateo, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 48.2.
#22. San Diego Mesa College
Hakia ranks San Diego Mesa College as the #22 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 48.2.
#23. Fullerton College
Hakia ranks Fullerton College as the #23 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fullerton, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 48.1.
#24. Norco College
Hakia ranks Norco College as the #24 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Norco, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 48.1.
#25. MiraCosta College
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #25 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Oceanside, CA has annual tuition of $1,104 and a 94% graduation rate. Ranking score: 58.9.
#26. Mt San Antonio College
Hakia ranks Mt San Antonio College as the #26 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Walnut, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 48.0.
#27. Santa Barbara City College
Hakia ranks Santa Barbara City College as the #27 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Barbara, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.9.
#28. Cerritos College
Hakia ranks Cerritos College as the #28 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Norwalk, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 47.7.
#29. Antelope Valley Community College District
Hakia ranks Antelope Valley Community College District as the #29 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Lancaster, CA has annual tuition of $1,104 and a 82% graduation rate. Ranking score: 47.1.
#30. Santa Rosa Junior College
Hakia ranks Santa Rosa Junior College as the #30 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Rosa, CA has annual tuition of $1,242. Ranking score: 47.5.
#31. College of the Desert
Hakia ranks College of the Desert as the #31 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Palm Desert, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 47.3.
#32. Merced College
Hakia ranks Merced College as the #32 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Merced, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.2.
#33. Ohlone College
Hakia ranks Ohlone College as the #33 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fremont, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.2.
#34. Evergreen Valley College
Hakia ranks Evergreen Valley College as the #34 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Jose, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 47.2.
#35. Allan Hancock College
Hakia ranks Allan Hancock College as the #35 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Maria, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.1.
#36. Cabrillo College
Hakia ranks Cabrillo College as the #36 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Aptos, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.1.
#37. Solano Community College
Hakia ranks Solano Community College as the #37 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fairfield, CA has annual tuition of $1,104 and a 74% graduation rate. Ranking score: 45.0.
#38. Gavilan College
Hakia ranks Gavilan College as the #38 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Gilroy, CA has annual tuition of $1,444. Ranking score: 47.1.
#39. Chaffey College
Hakia ranks Chaffey College as the #39 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Rancho Cucamonga, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.0.
#40. Las Positas College
Hakia ranks Las Positas College as the #40 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Livermore, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 47.0.
#41. Reedley College
Hakia ranks Reedley College as the #41 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Reedley, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 47.0.
#42. Modesto Junior College
Hakia ranks Modesto Junior College as the #42 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Modesto, CA has annual tuition of $1,188 and a 77% graduation rate. Ranking score: 53.8.
#43. Palomar College
Hakia ranks Palomar College as the #43 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Marcos, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 47.0.
#44. Skyline College
Hakia ranks Skyline College as the #44 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Bruno, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 47.0.
#45. Cypress College
Hakia ranks Cypress College as the #45 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Cypress, CA has annual tuition of $1,104 and a 68% graduation rate. Ranking score: 51.3.
#46. Santiago Canyon College
Hakia ranks Santiago Canyon College as the #46 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Orange, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 46.8.
#47. Crafton Hills College
Hakia ranks Crafton Hills College as the #47 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Yucaipa, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 46.7.
#48. Laney College
Hakia ranks Laney College as the #48 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Oakland, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 46.7.
#49. Santa Ana College
Hakia ranks Santa Ana College as the #49 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Ana, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 46.7.
#50. Butte College
Hakia ranks Butte College as the #50 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Oroville, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 46.6.
#51. Long Beach City College
Hakia ranks Long Beach City College as the #51 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Long Beach, CA has annual tuition of $1,472. Ranking score: 46.4.
#52. Cuyamaca College
Hakia ranks Cuyamaca College as the #52 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in El Cajon, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 46.2.
#53. College of the Sequoias
Hakia ranks College of the Sequoias as the #53 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Visalia, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 46.0.
#54. San Bernardino Valley College
Hakia ranks San Bernardino Valley College as the #54 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Bernardino, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 45.9.
#55. Imperial Valley College
Hakia ranks Imperial Valley College as the #55 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Imperial, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 45.8.
#56. Los Angeles Valley College
Hakia ranks Los Angeles Valley College as the #56 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Valley Glen, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 45.8.
#57. Los Medanos College
Hakia ranks Los Medanos College as the #57 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Pittsburg, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 45.8.
#58. Moreno Valley College
Hakia ranks Moreno Valley College as the #58 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Moreno Valley, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 45.8.
#59. Los Angeles City College
Hakia ranks Los Angeles City College as the #59 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 45.6.
#60. San Joaquin Delta College
Hakia ranks San Joaquin Delta College as the #60 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Stockton, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 45.6.
#61. San Jose City College
Hakia ranks San Jose City College as the #61 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Jose, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 45.6.
#62. Canada College
Hakia ranks Canada College as the #62 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Redwood City, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 45.5.
#63. Rio Hondo College
Hakia ranks Rio Hondo College as the #63 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Whittier, CA has annual tuition of $1,306 and a 65% graduation rate. Ranking score: 49.2.
#64. Copper Mountain Community College
Hakia ranks Copper Mountain Community College as the #64 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Joshua Tree, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 38.5.
#65. Monterey Peninsula College
Hakia ranks Monterey Peninsula College as the #65 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Monterey, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 45.1.
#66. Pasadena City College
Hakia ranks Pasadena City College as the #66 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Pasadena, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 45.1.
#67. West Los Angeles College
Hakia ranks West Los Angeles College as the #67 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Culver City, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 45.1.
#68. American River College
Hakia ranks American River College as the #68 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sacramento, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 52.5.
#69. Glendale Community College
Hakia ranks Glendale Community College as the #69 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Glendale, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 38.2.
#70. Los Angeles Harbor College
Hakia ranks Los Angeles Harbor College as the #70 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Wilmington, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 44.9.
#71. Columbia College
Hakia ranks Columbia College as the #71 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sonora, CA has annual tuition of $1,465. Ranking score: 44.9.
#72. Los Angeles Mission College
Hakia ranks Los Angeles Mission College as the #72 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sylmar, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 44.7.
#73. City College of San Francisco
Hakia ranks City College of San Francisco as the #73 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Francisco, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 52.0.
#74. Berkeley City College
Hakia ranks Berkeley City College as the #74 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Berkeley, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 44.5.
#75. Contra Costa College
Hakia ranks Contra Costa College as the #75 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Pablo, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 44.5.
#76. Madera Community College
Hakia ranks Madera Community College as the #76 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Madera, CA has annual tuition of $1,288. Ranking score: 37.8.
#77. Los Angeles Southwest College
Hakia ranks Los Angeles Southwest College as the #77 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 44.2.
#78. Barstow Community College
Hakia ranks Barstow Community College as the #78 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Barstow, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 37.3.
#79. Golden West College
Hakia ranks Golden West College as the #79 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Huntington Beach, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 43.9.
#80. Los Angeles Pierce College
Hakia ranks Los Angeles Pierce College as the #80 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Woodland Hills, CA has annual tuition of $1,196. Ranking score: 43.9.
#81. Folsom Lake College
Hakia ranks Folsom Lake College as the #81 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Folsom, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 48.6.
#82. Napa Valley College
Hakia ranks Napa Valley College as the #82 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Napa, CA has annual tuition of $1,104. Ranking score: 43.5.
#83. Mendocino College
Hakia ranks Mendocino College as the #83 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Ukiah, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 43.5.
#84. College of the Siskiyous
Hakia ranks College of the Siskiyous as the #84 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Weed, CA has annual tuition of $1,380. Ranking score: 43.5.
#85. Cosumnes River College
Hakia ranks Cosumnes River College as the #85 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sacramento, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 48.2.
#86. Sacramento City College
Hakia ranks Sacramento City College as the #86 associate's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sacramento, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 46.9.

Online Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Online Program Options California's community colleges offer 53 online associate's software engineering programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include **Diablo Valley College**, **De Anza College**, **Grossmont College**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online associate's programs average **$1,201/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **60 credit hours** in 2 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online software engineering degrees in California, these accredited software engineering schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

Diablo Valley College - Pleasant Hill, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
De Anza College - Cupertino, CA - Tuition: $1,395/year
Grossmont College - El Cajon, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Santa Monica College - Santa Monica, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Moorpark College - Moorpark, CA - Tuition: $1,340/year
Antelope Valley Community College District - Lancaster, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Solano Community College - Fairfield, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Saddleback College - Mission Viejo, CA - Tuition: $1,380/year
Hartnell College - Salinas, CA - Tuition: $1,380/year
City College of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA - Tuition: $0/year
Southwestern College - Chula Vista, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
San Diego Mesa College - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Mt San Antonio College - Walnut, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Santa Barbara City College - Santa Barbara, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Cerritos College - Norwalk, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Santa Rosa Junior College - Santa Rosa, CA - Tuition: $1,242/year
College of the Desert - Palm Desert, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Merced College - Merced, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Ohlone College - Fremont, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Allan Hancock College - Santa Maria, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Cabrillo College - Aptos, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Chaffey College - Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Las Positas College - Livermore, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Palomar College - San Marcos, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Skyline College - San Bruno, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Crafton Hills College - Yucaipa, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Santa Ana College - Santa Ana, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Butte College - Oroville, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
San Bernardino Valley College - San Bernardino, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Imperial Valley College - Imperial, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Los Angeles Valley College - Valley Glen, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
Los Medanos College - Pittsburg, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Los Angeles City College - Los Angeles, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
San Joaquin Delta College - Stockton, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
San Jose City College - San Jose, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Canada College - Redwood City, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Rio Hondo College - Whittier, CA - Tuition: $1,306/year
Pasadena City College - Pasadena, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
West Los Angeles College - Culver City, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
American River College - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $0/year
Glendale Community College - Glendale, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Los Angeles Harbor College - Wilmington, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
Los Angeles Mission College - Sylmar, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
Los Angeles Southwest College - Los Angeles, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
Barstow Community College - Barstow, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Golden West College - Huntington Beach, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Folsom Lake College - Folsom, CA - Tuition: $0/year
Napa Valley College - Napa, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
College of the Siskiyous - Weed, CA - Tuition: $1,380/year
Cosumnes River College - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $0/year
Sacramento City College - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $0/year

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Program Landscape California ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with **59 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **31 public** and **26 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **UC Berkeley**, **U of California-Irvine**, **U of California-San Diego**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from California software engineering programs earn a median salary of **$123,905**—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Google, Apple, Meta. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$5,742** to **$66,640** annually, with an average of **$26,822/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **91%**, with the highest reaching **100%**. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards. ### Curriculum & Specializations Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to California's leading technology employers. For students seeking software engineering degrees in California, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

#1. University of California-Berkeley
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Berkeley, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 97.3.
#2. University of California-Irvine
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #2 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Irvine, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 92.9.
#3. University of California-San Diego
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #3 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in La Jolla, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 81% graduation rate. Ranking score: 88.8.
#4. University of California-Los Angeles
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #4 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 87.5.
#5. University of Southern California
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #5 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $66,640 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 85.6.
#6. University of California-Santa Cruz
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #6 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Cruz, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 85.1.
#7. University of California-Davis
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #7 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Davis, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 80.5.
#8. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Hakia ranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo as the #8 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Luis Obispo, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 100% graduation rate. Ranking score: 80.7.
#9. San Diego State University
Hakia ranks San Diego State University as the #9 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 83% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.5.
#10. San Jose State University
Hakia ranks San Jose State University as the #10 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Jose, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 100% graduation rate. Ranking score: 77.3.
#11. University of California-Santa Barbara
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #11 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Barbara, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 90% graduation rate. Ranking score: 77.0.
#12. University of California-Merced
Hakia ranks University of California-Merced as the #12 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Merced, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 95% graduation rate. Ranking score: 74.0.
#13. Stanford University
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #13 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Stanford, CA has annual tuition of $61,731. Ranking score: 74.2.
#14. California Institute of Technology
Hakia ranks California Institute of Technology as the #14 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Pasadena, CA has annual tuition of $60,816 and a 88% graduation rate. Ranking score: 73.0.
#15. California State University-Long Beach
Hakia ranks California State University-Long Beach as the #15 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Long Beach, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 73% graduation rate. Ranking score: 73.6.
#16. University of California-Riverside
Hakia ranks University of California-Riverside as the #16 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Riverside, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 83% graduation rate. Ranking score: 72.6.
#17. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Hakia ranks California State Polytechnic University-Pomona as the #17 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Pomona, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 69.5.
#18. California State University-Sacramento
Hakia ranks California State University-Sacramento as the #18 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sacramento, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.2.
#19. California State University-Northridge
Hakia ranks California State University-Northridge as the #19 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Northridge, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 95% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.1.
#20. Santa Clara University
Hakia ranks Santa Clara University as the #20 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Santa Clara, CA has annual tuition of $58,587 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 66.6.
#21. California State University-Monterey Bay
Hakia ranks California State University-Monterey Bay as the #21 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Seaside, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 99% graduation rate. Ranking score: 63.0.
#22. California State University-Fullerton
Hakia ranks California State University-Fullerton as the #22 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fullerton, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 65% graduation rate. Ranking score: 64.6.
#23. Chapman University
Hakia ranks Chapman University as the #23 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Orange, CA has annual tuition of $62,400 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 63.4.
#24. California State University-Los Angeles
Hakia ranks California State University-Los Angeles as the #24 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 99% graduation rate. Ranking score: 63.7.
#25. California State University-San Marcos
Hakia ranks California State University-San Marcos as the #25 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Marcos, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 61.2.
#26. University of San Diego
Hakia ranks University of San Diego as the #26 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $55,690 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 61.4.
#27. Pitzer College
Hakia ranks Pitzer College as the #27 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Claremont, CA has annual tuition of $62,392 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 61.9.
#28. Harvey Mudd College
Hakia ranks Harvey Mudd College as the #28 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Claremont, CA has annual tuition of $65,954. Ranking score: 60.1.
#29. Pomona College
Hakia ranks Pomona College as the #29 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Claremont, CA has annual tuition of $61,906. Ranking score: 58.0.
#30. California State University-Fresno
Hakia ranks California State University-Fresno as the #30 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fresno, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 57.6.
#31. San Francisco State University
Hakia ranks San Francisco State University as the #31 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Francisco, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 53.9.
#32. University of San Francisco
Hakia ranks University of San Francisco as the #32 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Francisco, CA has annual tuition of $57,670. Ranking score: 54.1.
#33. Claremont McKenna College
Hakia ranks Claremont McKenna College as the #33 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Claremont, CA has annual tuition of $63,800. Ranking score: 52.5.
#34. Point Loma Nazarene University
Hakia ranks Point Loma Nazarene University as the #34 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $42,600 and a 94% graduation rate. Ranking score: 50.9.
#35. Dominican University of California
Hakia ranks Dominican University of California as the #35 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Rafael, CA has annual tuition of $49,821 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 50.3.
#36. California State University-East Bay
Hakia ranks California State University-East Bay as the #36 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Hayward, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 50.9.
#37. Occidental College
Hakia ranks Occidental College as the #37 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $62,850. Ranking score: 50.0.
#38. Ashford University
Hakia ranks Ashford University as the #38 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This for-profit institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $12,240. Ranking score: 49.1.
#39. William Jessup University
Hakia ranks William Jessup University as the #39 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Rocklin, CA has annual tuition of $36,000 and a 90% graduation rate. Ranking score: 49.9.
#40. California State University-San Bernardino
Hakia ranks California State University-San Bernardino as the #40 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Bernardino, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 47.3.
#41. National University
Hakia ranks National University as the #41 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $13,320. Ranking score: 48.9.
#42. Scripps College
Hakia ranks Scripps College as the #42 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Claremont, CA has annual tuition of $63,216. Ranking score: 47.1.
#43. California State University-Bakersfield
Hakia ranks California State University-Bakersfield as the #43 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Bakersfield, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 45.7.
#44. California State University-Dominguez Hills
Hakia ranks California State University-Dominguez Hills as the #44 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Carson, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 46.6.
#45. University of Silicon Valley
Hakia ranks University of Silicon Valley as the #45 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This for-profit institution in San Jose, CA has annual tuition of $21,480. Ranking score: 45.3.
#46. University of the Pacific
Hakia ranks University of the Pacific as the #46 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Stockton, CA has annual tuition of $54,506. Ranking score: 45.5.
#47. California State University-Chico
Hakia ranks California State University-Chico as the #47 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Chico, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 45.4.
#48. Biola University
Hakia ranks Biola University as the #48 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in La Mirada, CA has annual tuition of $46,704. Ranking score: 44.3.
#49. California State University-Channel Islands
Hakia ranks California State University-Channel Islands as the #49 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Camarillo, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 44.1.
#50. Concordia University-Irvine
Hakia ranks Concordia University-Irvine as the #50 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Irvine, CA has annual tuition of $40,510. Ranking score: 43.5.
#51. California State University-Stanislaus
Hakia ranks California State University-Stanislaus as the #51 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Turlock, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 42.6.
#52. California Baptist University
Hakia ranks California Baptist University as the #52 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Riverside, CA has annual tuition of $37,570. Ranking score: 42.8.
#53. Sonoma State University
Hakia ranks Sonoma State University as the #53 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Rohnert Park, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 43.4.
#54. California Lutheran University
Hakia ranks California Lutheran University as the #54 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Thousand Oaks, CA has annual tuition of $49,880. Ranking score: 39.7.
#55. San Francisco Bay University
Hakia ranks San Francisco Bay University as the #55 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Fremont, CA has annual tuition of $7,920. Ranking score: 40.3.
#56. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Hakia ranks California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt as the #56 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Arcata, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 39.1.
#57. Azusa Pacific University
Hakia ranks Azusa Pacific University as the #57 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Azusa, CA has annual tuition of $42,900. Ranking score: 39.5.
#58. La Sierra University
Hakia ranks La Sierra University as the #58 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Riverside, CA has annual tuition of $34,920. Ranking score: 36.3.
#59. Saint Mary's College of California
Hakia ranks Saint Mary's College of California as the #59 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Moraga, CA has annual tuition of $55,634. Ranking score: 36.4.

Online Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Online Program Options 29 California institutions offer bachelor's software engineering degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include **UC Berkeley**, **Stanford**, **U of California-Riverside**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online bachelor's programs average **$23,951/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **120 credit hours** in 4 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online software engineering degrees in California, these accredited software engineering schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
Stanford University - Stanford, CA - Tuition: $61,731/year
University of California-Riverside - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
California State University-Fullerton - Fullerton, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-San Marcos - San Marcos, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Monterey Bay - Seaside, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of Silicon Valley - San Jose, CA - Tuition: $21,480/year
Point Loma Nazarene University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $42,600/year
Dominican University of California - San Rafael, CA - Tuition: $49,821/year
Ashford University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $12,240/year
William Jessup University - Rocklin, CA - Tuition: $36,000/year
California State University-San Bernardino - San Bernardino, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
National University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $13,320/year
California State University-Bakersfield - Bakersfield, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of the Pacific - Stockton, CA - Tuition: $54,506/year
California State University-Chico - Chico, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Biola University - La Mirada, CA - Tuition: $46,704/year
California State University-Channel Islands - Camarillo, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Concordia University-Irvine - Irvine, CA - Tuition: $40,510/year
California State University-Stanislaus - Turlock, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California Baptist University - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $37,570/year
Sonoma State University - Rohnert Park, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California Lutheran University - Thousand Oaks, CA - Tuition: $49,880/year
San Francisco Bay University - Fremont, CA - Tuition: $7,920/year
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt - Arcata, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Azusa Pacific University - Azusa, CA - Tuition: $42,900/year
La Sierra University - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $34,920/year
Saint Mary's College of California - Moraga, CA - Tuition: $55,634/year

Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Program Landscape California offers **39** master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**U of Southern California**, **U of California-San Diego**, **U of California-Irvine**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in California earn a median salary of **$145,770**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Google, Apple, Meta actively recruiting from these programs. ### Costs & Value Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages **$17,266/yr**, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals. ### Curriculum & Specializations Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among California's software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

#1. University of Southern California
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #1 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $66,640 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 100.0.
#2. University of California-San Diego
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #2 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in La Jolla, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 81% graduation rate. Ranking score: 88.6.
#3. University of California-Irvine
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #3 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Irvine, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 86.6.
#4. San Jose State University
Hakia ranks San Jose State University as the #4 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Jose, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 100% graduation rate. Ranking score: 76.3.
#5. University of California-Los Angeles
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #5 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 83.1.
#6. Santa Clara University
Hakia ranks Santa Clara University as the #6 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Santa Clara, CA has annual tuition of $58,587 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 72.6.
#7. Stanford University
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #7 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Stanford, CA has annual tuition of $61,731. Ranking score: 79.3.
#8. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Hakia ranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo as the #8 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Luis Obispo, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 100% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.8.
#9. University of California-Davis
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #9 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Davis, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.5.
#10. University of California-Santa Barbara
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #10 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Barbara, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 90% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.0.
#11. California State University-Long Beach
Hakia ranks California State University-Long Beach as the #11 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Long Beach, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 73% graduation rate. Ranking score: 66.2.
#12. University of California-Riverside
Hakia ranks University of California-Riverside as the #12 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Riverside, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 83% graduation rate. Ranking score: 73.8.
#13. San Diego State University
Hakia ranks San Diego State University as the #13 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 83% graduation rate. Ranking score: 72.9.
#14. University of California-Santa Cruz
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #14 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Cruz, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 70.4.
#15. University of California-Berkeley
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #15 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Berkeley, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 69.9.
#16. California Institute of Technology
Hakia ranks California Institute of Technology as the #16 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Pasadena, CA has annual tuition of $60,816 and a 88% graduation rate. Ranking score: 67.5.
#17. California State University-Northridge
Hakia ranks California State University-Northridge as the #17 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Northridge, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 95% graduation rate. Ranking score: 67.2.
#18. California State University-Los Angeles
Hakia ranks California State University-Los Angeles as the #18 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 99% graduation rate. Ranking score: 55.9.
#19. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Hakia ranks California State Polytechnic University-Pomona as the #19 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Pomona, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.5.
#20. University of California-Merced
Hakia ranks University of California-Merced as the #20 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Merced, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 95% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.0.
#21. California State University-Fullerton
Hakia ranks California State University-Fullerton as the #21 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fullerton, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 65% graduation rate. Ranking score: 55.1.
#22. University of San Francisco
Hakia ranks University of San Francisco as the #22 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Francisco, CA has annual tuition of $57,670. Ranking score: 48.4.
#23. William Jessup University
Hakia ranks William Jessup University as the #23 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Rocklin, CA has annual tuition of $36,000 and a 90% graduation rate. Ranking score: 50.6.
#24. California State University-Fresno
Hakia ranks California State University-Fresno as the #24 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Fresno, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 49.7.
#25. California State University-San Marcos
Hakia ranks California State University-San Marcos as the #25 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Marcos, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 58.4.
#26. California State University-Sacramento
Hakia ranks California State University-Sacramento as the #26 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Sacramento, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 58.3.
#27. California State University-East Bay
Hakia ranks California State University-East Bay as the #27 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Hayward, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 46.3.
#28. Naval Postgraduate School
Hakia ranks Naval Postgraduate School as the #28 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Monterey, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 47.8.
#29. National University
Hakia ranks National University as the #29 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $13,320. Ranking score: 46.3.
#30. Northcentral University
Hakia ranks Northcentral University as the #30 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $11,064. Ranking score: 52.1.
#31. San Francisco State University
Hakia ranks San Francisco State University as the #31 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Francisco, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 51.8.
#32. San Francisco Bay University
Hakia ranks San Francisco Bay University as the #32 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Fremont, CA has annual tuition of $7,920. Ranking score: 44.0.
#33. Sofia University
Hakia ranks Sofia University as the #33 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This for-profit institution in Palo Alto, CA has annual tuition of $18,000. Ranking score: 44.5.
#34. California State University-Chico
Hakia ranks California State University-Chico as the #34 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Chico, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 38.8.
#35. California State University-Dominguez Hills
Hakia ranks California State University-Dominguez Hills as the #35 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Carson, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 38.4.
#36. California State University-Channel Islands
Hakia ranks California State University-Channel Islands as the #36 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Camarillo, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 37.3.
#37. California State University-San Bernardino
Hakia ranks California State University-San Bernardino as the #37 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Bernardino, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 46.3.
#38. University of the Pacific
Hakia ranks University of the Pacific as the #38 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Stockton, CA has annual tuition of $54,506. Ranking score: 37.0.
#39. Sonoma State University
Hakia ranks Sonoma State University as the #39 master's in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Rohnert Park, CA has annual tuition of $5,742. Ranking score: 34.9.

Online Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Online Program Options Working professionals can advance their careers through 15 online master's software engineering programs from California universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include **Stanford**, **U of California-Riverside**, **California State Universi...**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online master's programs average **$17,023/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **30-36 credit hours** in 18-24 months while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online software engineering degrees in California, these accredited software engineering schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

Stanford University - Stanford, CA - Tuition: $61,731/year
University of California-Riverside - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
California State University-Fullerton - Fullerton, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
California State University-San Marcos - San Marcos, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
William Jessup University - Rocklin, CA - Tuition: $36,000/year
National University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $13,320/year
San Francisco Bay University - Fremont, CA - Tuition: $7,920/year
Sofia University - Palo Alto, CA - Tuition: $18,000/year
California State University-Chico - Chico, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-San Bernardino - San Bernardino, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Channel Islands - Camarillo, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of the Pacific - Stockton, CA - Tuition: $54,506/year
Sonoma State University - Rohnert Park, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year

Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Program Landscape California is home to **16** doctoral programs in software engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of Southern California**, **UC Berkeley**, **U of California-Irvine** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with California PhD holders earning a median of **$182,213**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Google, Apple, Meta. ### Costs & Value PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of **$25,000–$40,000** annually. ### Curriculum & Specializations Research strengths across California programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing software engineering degrees in California, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

#1. University of Southern California
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #1 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $66,640 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 100.0.
#2. University of California-Berkeley
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #2 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Berkeley, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 100.0.
#3. University of California-Irvine
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #3 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Irvine, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.3.
#4. University of California-San Diego
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #4 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in La Jolla, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 81% graduation rate. Ranking score: 61.7.
#5. University of California-Los Angeles
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #5 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Los Angeles, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 66.3.
#6. Stanford University
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #6 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Stanford, CA has annual tuition of $61,731. Ranking score: 61.8.
#7. University of California-Santa Barbara
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #7 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Barbara, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 90% graduation rate. Ranking score: 61.5.
#8. University of California-Santa Cruz
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #8 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Santa Cruz, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 55.2.
#9. University of California-Davis
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #9 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Davis, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 81.5.
#10. University of California-Riverside
Hakia ranks University of California-Riverside as the #10 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Riverside, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 83% graduation rate. Ranking score: 52.2.
#11. University of California-Merced
Hakia ranks University of California-Merced as the #11 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Merced, CA has annual tuition of $11,834 and a 95% graduation rate. Ranking score: 67.8.
#12. California Institute of Technology
Hakia ranks California Institute of Technology as the #12 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Pasadena, CA has annual tuition of $60,816 and a 88% graduation rate. Ranking score: 63.8.
#13. Santa Clara University
Hakia ranks Santa Clara University as the #13 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in Santa Clara, CA has annual tuition of $58,587 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 63.5.
#14. San Diego State University
Hakia ranks San Diego State University as the #14 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $5,742 and a 83% graduation rate. Ranking score: 59.2.
#15. Northcentral University
Hakia ranks Northcentral University as the #15 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This private institution in San Diego, CA has annual tuition of $11,064. Ranking score: 44.9.
#16. Naval Postgraduate School
Hakia ranks Naval Postgraduate School as the #16 doctoral in software engineering degree program in California. This public institution in Monterey, CA has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 49.3.

Online Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

### Online Program Options 3 California universities offer doctoral software engineering programs with online or hybrid components, accommodating established professionals pursuing terminal degrees. Top-ranked online programs include **Stanford**, **UC Berkeley**, **U of California-Riverside**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online doctoral programs average **$28,466/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete doctoral requirements in 3-5 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online software engineering degrees in California, these accredited software engineering schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

Stanford University - Stanford, CA - Tuition: $61,731/year
University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of California-Riverside - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year

Software Engineering Tuition in California

Metric	Value
Average in-state tuition	$12,043/year
Average out-of-state tuition	$30,108/year
Community college tuition	$3,011/year
4-year savings for residents	$72,260
2+2 transfer pathway savings	$18,064

Source: IPEDS 2023

Software Engineering Financial Aid & Scholarships in California

State Aid Programs

California's state financial aid programs support software engineering students.

The Cal Grant provides need-based aid covering tuition at UC, CSU, and qualifying private institutions. The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) covers remaining costs for families with incomes up to $234,000 at UC, CSU, or California Community College bachelor's programs (California Student Aid Commission). Software engineering students in eligible degree programs qualify for all standard state aid.

Key Programs & Amounts

Engineering-specific scholarships and federal aid:

Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 for 2024-25 academic year
Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Multiple scholarships for women in engineering
IEEE Computer Society: Scholarships for computing students
Google, Microsoft, Amazon: Tech company scholarships for engineering students
Anita Borg Institute: Grace Hopper Scholarship for women in computing
NSBE, SHPE, AISES: Scholarships for underrepresented minorities in engineering Many major tech companies offer employee education benefits ($5,000-15,000+ annually) for continuing education, making graduate degrees accessible for working professionals.

Institutional Scholarships

Institutional engineering scholarships are substantial.

UC engineering programs offer merit-based scholarships for exceptional students. Cal Poly's learn-by-doing scholarships support project-based learning experiences. Santa Clara University and USC often provide significant merit aid to attract top engineering talent. CSU programs have more limited scholarship budgets but significantly lower base costs. Apply early—engineering scholarship deadlines often fall in November-December, well before regular admission deadlines. Complete FAFSA starting October 1 to maximize federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility.

Calculate Your Software Engineering Degree ROI in California

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree in California. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree

Program Type

Total Program Cost

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

Target Career

Work Location

Career Timeline20 years

10 years20 years30 years

20-Year ROI

+1378%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$2,549,181

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$102,778

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown

How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,584,589

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)$185,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return6.4%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Career Paths

Software Developer

+25%

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$164,720

Data Scientist

+35%

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$137,024

Cybersecurity Analyst

+32%

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$153,059

DevOps Engineer

+22%

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$161,805

Cloud Architect

+28%

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$157,432

Machine Learning Engineer

+40%

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$183,670

Software Engineering Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in California metro areas

Hakia.com

View data table

Category	value
San Francisco	$160K
San Jose	$153K
Los Angeles	$146K
San Diego	$138K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

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Software Engineering Jobs in California: Top Employers Hiring

Find software engineering jobs in California. These major employers across California metro areas are actively hiring software engineering graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Software Engineering Jobs in Silicon Valley

~2,943 Open Positions

Silicon Valley remains the global center of tech innovation. Headquarters for Google, Apple, Meta, and thousands of startups.

Nearby cities: San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Menlo Park, Redwood City

Google

Search/AI/Cloud

Apple

Consumer Electronics

Software Engineering Jobs in San Francisco

San Francisco is a major fintech and enterprise software hub. Salesforce Tower anchors a dense tech ecosystem.

Nearby cities: Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Fremont

Fintech/Payments

Data/AI Platform

Design Tools

Transportation/Delivery

Airbnb

Travel/Hospitality

Software Engineering Jobs in Los Angeles

LA has a diverse tech scene spanning entertainment tech, aerospace, and ecommerce. SpaceX and Snap are headquartered here.

Nearby cities: Santa Monica, Culver City, Burbank, Pasadena, Long Beach, Irvine, El Segundo

Social Media

Aerospace

Streaming

Entertainment

Defense/Aerospace

Software Engineering Jobs in San Diego

San Diego is a biotech and defense technology hub. Qualcomm is headquartered here alongside major military contractors.

Nearby cities: La Jolla, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon

Wireless/5G

Financial Software

Data Analytics

Defense/Aerospace

Biotech/Genomics

How to Apply to Software Engineering Programs in California

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for software engineering programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Software Engineering Transfer Pathways in California

State Transfer System

California's ASSIST system supports software engineering transfers (ASSIST.org). Students can complete foundational programming courses (typically Java, Python, C++), data structures, computer organization, and mathematics (calculus through linear algebra) at community college before transferring to four-year software engineering programs. ASSIST.org shows exact course equivalencies between specific community colleges and UC/CSU campuses.

How Transfers Work

Transfer admission to software engineering programs requires strategic planning.

UC Irvine's Software Engineering program accepts transfers with strong computer science preparation—verify current articulation and required courses. Cal Poly programs are competitive for transfers, typically requiring 3.5+ GPAs in technical coursework. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AS-T) in Computer Science provides guaranteed CSU admission—students can then pursue software engineering concentrations. TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) excludes some impacted majors; verify current TAG availability for target programs.

Transfer Planning Tips

Strategic transfer planning for software engineering:

1Complete the programming sequence: CS1/CS2 plus data structures are foundational
2Build math foundations: Calculus, linear algebra, and discrete math are required
3Take systems courses when available: Computer organization, operating systems concepts
4Develop portfolio projects: GitHub contributions, personal projects, hackathon participation
5Verify articulation early: Check ASSIST.org before enrolling in courses
6Meet deadlines: UC applications due November 30; CSU priority deadlines October-November Community college pathways offer substantial savings—completing two years at $1,380/year before transferring reduces total costs by $40,000-60,000 while providing access to quality software engineering education.

Why Study Software Engineering in California?

Industry & Workforce

California is the global epicenter of software engineering.

The state employs over 250,000 software engineering professionals with competitive salaries exceeding most other sectors. California leads all states with a median salary of $146,770 for software developers, followed by Washington at $145,150 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Elite software engineering programs at California universities report $125,000 median starting salaries in Silicon Valley. The concentration of major technology companies—Apple, Google, Meta, Netflix, Salesforce—creates unmatched career opportunities for software engineering graduates.

Salary Outlook

California offers world-class software engineering education.

Stanford and UC Berkeley rank among the top universities globally for software engineering research, with Stanford ranking #2 in the U.S. and North America. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is renowned for its learn-by-doing approach to software engineering—among the nation's top undergraduate programs. UC Irvine offers a dedicated Bachelor's in Software Engineering with core classes in programming, software engineering principles, and data management. San Jose State produces more software engineering graduates hired by Silicon Valley companies than any other CSU campus. California has 25+ ABET-accredited software engineering programs across UC, CSU, and private universities.

Regional Tech Hubs

The software engineering job market is recovering and growing.

According to the Pragmatic Engineer Newsletter's 2025 analysis, software engineering jobs posted by leading tech companies and startups are slowly but surely increasing—open positions have trended up for the past two years. Apple, IBM, Amazon, NVIDIA, Google, and Microsoft are hiring heavily. AI Engineering has become the hottest segment, with AI-related listings exploding since mid-2023. The average U.S. software engineer salary reaches $150,000 at the P3 (Established Professional) level, with Senior Software Engineers (M3) earning $219,800 median. Compare programs in Texas, Washington, or explore our national rankings.

Software Engineering Job Market in California

Employment Outlook

California dominates the national software engineering job market.

Software developers in California earn $146,770 median—the highest of any state (BLS OEWS May 2024). The software developer job market is demonstrating clear signs of recovery following the challenging 2022-2023 period, with leading tech companies and startups steadily increasing job postings. AI Engineering is the hottest segment, with hiring exploding since mid-2023. Entry-level (P1/P2) hiring rates dropped 73% as AI automates routine tasks traditionally performed by junior engineers—the market now strongly favors mid-level and senior engineers who can contribute immediately.

Salaries by Metro

Software engineering salaries by level in California:

Entry-level (P1-P2): $100,000-$130,000 (highly competitive, fewer openings)
Mid-level (P3 Established): $150,000 average nationally, $160,000-$180,000 in Bay Area
Senior (M3): $219,800 median nationally, $250,000+ in top Bay Area roles
Staff/Principal: $300,000-$500,000+ total compensation at major companies
AI/ML Engineers: 15-20% premium over general software engineering roles Software Engineer salaries increased modestly in 2025 (1.6% for P3, 0.3% for M3) after rapid growth in previous years. Overall hiring in Engineering remains stable at around 21% of tech company headcount.

High-Growth Sectors

High-growth software engineering sectors in California: artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI engineering hiring has exploded), cloud infrastructure and DevOps (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure expertise in demand), cybersecurity software development (growing 15%+ annually), autonomous systems (Waymo, Cruise, Tesla), fintech and payments (Stripe, Square, Plaid), and healthcare technology (Epic, Cerner, health-focused startups). Companies increasingly hire for specific technical skills rather than generalist roles—specialization in AI/ML, distributed systems, or security commands premium compensation. For related careers, explore computer science programs or AI/ML degrees.

Software Engineering Curriculum & Specializations in California

Core Requirements

Software engineering curriculum emphasizes systematic development practices.

Core coursework covers software design patterns, requirements engineering, software architecture, testing and quality assurance, project management, and agile methodologies. Foundation courses include programming (typically Java, Python, C++), data structures and algorithms, database systems, and computer networks. Mathematics requirements include calculus through linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics. UC Irvine's BS in Software Engineering specifically addresses the complete software lifecycle from requirements through maintenance.

Degree Pathways

Specialization and advanced coursework addresses modern software development needs. Distributed systems and cloud computing cover microservices, containers, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). DevOps and CI/CD coursework addresses automated testing, deployment pipelines, and infrastructure as code. Mobile and web application development covers full-stack development using current frameworks. Security-focused courses address secure coding practices, vulnerability analysis, and cryptographic applications. Cal Poly's learn-by-doing approach emphasizes hands-on projects throughout the curriculum rather than primarily theoretical coursework.

Specialization Tracks

Capstone projects and practical experience are integral to software engineering education. Senior capstone courses require team-based development of substantial software systems, often in partnership with industry sponsors. Many programs strongly encourage or require internship experiences. Industry-standard tools (Git, Jira, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes) are integrated throughout coursework. Total credit requirements range from 120-128 units for bachelor's programs. Graduate MS programs (like Sacramento State's) require 30-33 units with thesis or project options. ABET-accredited programs meet specific outcomes including ability to apply engineering design processes to software projects. Explore related programs in our computer science rankings or information systems degrees.

Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in California

Online Program Growth

Both online and campus options are viable for software engineering.

Unlike hardware-focused fields, software development can be learned effectively online. Students can practice coding, build projects, and collaborate remotely. Georgia Tech's Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) attracts many California-based students seeking affordable ($8,000 total) graduate credentials while working. UT Austin's MSCS Online similarly provides accredited coursework at lower cost than California-based programs.

Accredited Online Options

Campus programs provide advantages for certain students.

In-person networking with peers and faculty creates professional connections valuable for job searching. Career fair access enables direct employer interaction—major tech companies recruit heavily at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Cal Poly. Collaborative project experiences mirror professional software development team environments. Campus resources including computer labs, tutoring, and study groups support learning. Students new to programming or seeking structured guidance may benefit from campus programs.

Choosing Your Format

Employer attitudes toward online credentials have evolved.

Major tech companies increasingly accept online degrees from accredited institutions, especially when combined with strong portfolios and relevant experience. The pandemic permanently shifted attitudes toward remote education and work. Hiring managers focus on coding ability (demonstrated through technical interviews), portfolio projects, and relevant experience rather than campus vs. online distinction. For students with existing degrees seeking software engineering careers, coding bootcamps ($10,000-20,000) provide accelerated entry points—though they don't lead to bachelor's degrees and have variable outcomes. See our online software engineering programs for flexible alternatives.

Software Engineering by City in California

San Francisco/Bay Area

San Francisco/Bay Area remains the global center of software engineering. Software engineers earn $146,770+ median statewide, with Bay Area positions commanding premiums to $200,000+ for senior roles. The concentration of major tech companies (Google, Meta, Apple, Netflix) plus thousands of startups creates unmatched job market depth and career mobility. Stanford and UC Berkeley provide elite talent pipelines. Cost of living is extreme—median home prices exceed $1.3 million—but salaries compensate accordingly. The Bay Area's software engineering community includes countless meetups, conferences, and networking opportunities.

San Jose/Silicon Valley

San Jose/Silicon Valley hosts major employers including Apple (Cupertino), Cisco, Adobe, and PayPal, plus semiconductor companies with significant software teams. Santa Clara University and San Jose State provide local talent. Salaries average $160,000-$200,000 for experienced engineers. Los Angeles offers growing software engineering opportunities in entertainment technology, aerospace, and fintech. Netflix's engineering operations, Snapchat, and numerous startups employ software engineers. UCLA and USC provide local talent. Salaries average $130,000-170,000 with lower cost of living than the Bay Area.

San Diego

San Diego specializes in telecommunications (Qualcomm software), defense contractors, and biotech software. UC San Diego produces technical talent. Salaries average $120,000-160,000 with notably lower cost of living. Sacramento offers government IT positions and a growing startup ecosystem. State government agencies and contractors employ software developers for public systems. Irvine/Orange County hosts enterprise software companies including Blizzard Entertainment (game software), medical device software companies, and numerous startups. UC Irvine's software engineering program provides local talent. For national perspective, see our software engineering rankings.

Compare Online Software Engineering Programs in California

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Software Engineering Programs by City in California

Los Angeles San Diego Sacramento San Francisco Pasadena Anaheim Oakland Riverside Fresno Berkeley

Find Software Engineering Programs Near You in California

Search by city to find accredited software engineering programs ranked by our state methodology.

Software Engineering Degree Programs by City in California

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Los Angeles, California

LA's entertainment and media tech sector drives demand for software engineers specializing in streaming platforms, visual effects pipelines, and content delivery systems, with major employers like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery headquartered or heavily invested in the region. USC and UCLA both offer strong Computer Science programs, while the sprawling job market provides competitive salaries across gaming, fintech, and enterprise software companies distributed across multiple tech clusters.

Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Los Angeles, California

Santa Monica College (Public) — State #1, 9.4 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State #3, 82.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Orange Coast College (Public) — State #5, 34.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Los Angeles, California

University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #2, 38.5 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #3, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #4, 101.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California (Private) — State #1, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #3, 101.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Los Angeles, California

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State #3, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #4, 38.5 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Diego, California

Home to Qualcomm's massive engineering hub and a thriving biotech software sector, San Diego offers specialized opportunities in embedded systems, firmware development, and healthcare IT that differentiate it from other California tech hubs. UC San Diego's top-tier Computer Science program feeds directly into local defense contractors and semiconductor companies, creating a stable, salary-competitive market for systems engineers and DevOps specialists.

San Diego is located in San Diego County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Diego, California

Santa Monica College (Public) — State #1, 115.6 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State #3, 30.9 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Orange Coast College (Public) — State #5, 76.7 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Diego, California

University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #2, 73.2 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #3, 117.4 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #4, 9.5 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Diego, California

University of Southern California (Private) — State #1, 109 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 117.4 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #3, 9.5 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Diego, California

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 117.4 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State #3, 109 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #4, 73.2 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Sacramento, California

As California's capital, Sacramento hosts major state government IT operations and enterprise software vendors serving public sector clients, making it an ideal market for backend engineers and QA leads focused on government compliance and data systems. The lower cost of living compared to Bay Area and LA combined with steady state employment and growing private tech companies creates strong economic advantages for early-career software engineers.

Sacramento is located in Sacramento County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Sacramento, California

Diablo Valley College (Public) — State #2, 54.9 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $1,288/year.
De Anza College (Public) — State #4, 93.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State #9, 67.4 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Sacramento, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 66.7 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #5, 18.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State #6, 114.5 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Sacramento, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #4, 66.7 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 89 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #8, 18.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Sacramento, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 66.7 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 89 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #9, 18.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Francisco, California

The original tech hub remains densely packed with venture-backed SaaS startups, enterprise software giants (Salesforce, Uber, Stripe), and cloud infrastructure companies, though high salaries are offset by correspondingly expensive housing and intense competition. Multiple nearby universities including UC Berkeley and UCSF fuel a pipeline of talent, but remote work flexibility has somewhat reduced SF's historical dominance as software engineers increasingly negotiate distributed arrangements.

San Francisco is located in San Francisco County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Francisco, California

Diablo Valley College (Public) — State #2, 23.1 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $1,288/year.
De Anza College (Public) — State #4, 37.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State #9, 77.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Francisco, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 10.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #5, 64.2 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State #6, 57.3 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Francisco, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #4, 10.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 27.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #8, 64.2 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near San Francisco, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 10.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 27.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #9, 64.2 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Pasadena, California

Caltech's world-class Computer Science program and proximity to JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) create unique opportunities in systems engineering, scientific computing, and mission-critical software for engineers seeking cutting-edge technical challenges beyond consumer-facing products. The city's smaller tech ecosystem appeals to engineers preferring stability and technical depth over startup velocity, with competitive compensation in aerospace software development and research computing.

Pasadena is located in Los Angeles County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Pasadena, California

Santa Monica College (Public) — State #1, 20.9 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State #3, 82 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Orange Coast College (Public) — State #5, 35.8 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Pasadena, California

University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #2, 38.8 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #3, 18 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #4, 102.3 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Pasadena, California

University of Southern California (Private) — State #1, 12.1 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 18 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #3, 102.3 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Pasadena, California

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 18 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State #3, 12.1 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #4, 38.8 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Anaheim, California

While primarily known for entertainment, Anaheim's location in Orange County provides access to a secondary tech corridor with semiconductor companies, industrial automation firms, and growing SaaS vendors serving manufacturing and logistics, plus proximity to UC Irvine's Computer Science program. The region offers lower costs than LA or San Francisco with solid engineering salaries, making it attractive for engineers willing to commute to larger tech hubs or work remotely.

Anaheim is located in Orange County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Anaheim, California

Santa Monica College (Public) — State #1, 33.7 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State #3, 57 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Orange Coast College (Public) — State #5, 11.2 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Anaheim, California

University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #2, 13.5 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #3, 34 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #4, 77 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Anaheim, California

University of Southern California (Private) — State #1, 24.4 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 34 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #3, 77 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Anaheim, California

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 34 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State #3, 24.4 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #4, 13.5 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Oakland, California

Oakland's emerging tech scene combines lower real estate costs than San Francisco with a growing cluster of infrastructure, climate tech, and social impact software companies, plus easy BART access to Silicon Valley and Bay Area employers. UC Berkeley's proximity and the city's increasingly vibrant startup culture appeal to engineers seeking community-oriented work environments and the ability to afford homeownership while working on meaningful technical problems.

Oakland is located in Alameda County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Oakland, California

Diablo Valley College (Public) — State #2, 14.9 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $1,288/year.
De Anza College (Public) — State #4, 34.9 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State #9, 68.2 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Oakland, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #5, 57.7 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State #6, 56.5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Oakland, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #4, 5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 26 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #8, 57.7 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Oakland, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 26 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #9, 57.7 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Riverside, California

A smaller inland hub with a lower cost of living, Riverside serves as a commuter base for engineers working in Orange County's semiconductor sector or LA's entertainment tech, with UC Riverside offering a Computer Engineering program focused on systems and embedded development. Remote work opportunities make Riverside viable for engineers seeking affordability while maintaining salaries tied to major California tech markets.

Riverside is located in Riverside County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Riverside, California

Santa Monica College (Public) — State #1, 62.3 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State #3, 51.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Orange Coast College (Public) — State #5, 35.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Riverside, California

University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #2, 32.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #3, 61.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #4, 73.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Riverside, California

University of Southern California (Private) — State #1, 51.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 61.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State #3, 73.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Riverside, California

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State #2, 61.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State #3, 51.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State #4, 32.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fresno, California

A small inland city with limited local tech employment, Fresno is best considered a remote-work base where software engineers can leverage California-level salaries with significantly lower housing costs while accessing programming from Fresno State's Computer Science department. Engineers in Fresno typically work for distributed companies, handle contracting, or serve local agricultural and logistics companies adopting digital transformation solutions.

Fresno is located in Fresno County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fresno, California

Diablo Valley College (Public) — State #2, 150.8 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $1,288/year.
De Anza College (Public) — State #4, 131.1 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Antelope Valley Community College District (Public) — State #6, 170.6 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 82%.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fresno, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 156.3 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #5, 162.6 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State #6, 127.7 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fresno, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #4, 156.3 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Santa Barbara (Public) — State #6, 163.9 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 90%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 139.7 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fresno, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, 156.3 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Santa Barbara (Public) — State #6, 163.9 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 90%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 139.7 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Berkeley, California

UC Berkeley's elite Computer Science program and EECS department consistently rank globally, providing direct recruiting pipelines for every major tech company and venture capital-backed startup in Northern California, while the university town itself hosts startups and research labs focused on AI, systems, and open-source infrastructure. The concentration of talent and proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley creates a unique environment where engineers can choose from premium salaries at established companies or equity-heavy startup roles.

Berkeley is located in Alameda County, California.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Berkeley, California

Diablo Valley College (Public) — State #2, 12.3 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $1,288/year.
De Anza College (Public) — State #4, 39.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State #9, 70.1 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Berkeley, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, in Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #5, 53.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State #6, 61.5 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Berkeley, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #4, in Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 31 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #8, 53.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Berkeley, California

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State #1, in Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State #7, 31 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State #9, 53.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in California considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
Self-taught developers seeking structured training
Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

Focus on practical skills that matter day-to-day on the job
Learn full-stack development, not just theory
Career changers often succeed—bootcamps welcome non-CS backgrounds
Many programs offer job guarantees or money-back options
Graduate with production-quality projects to show employers

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

Fast pace means less time to deeply understand concepts
Self-taught developers question if bootcamp is worth the cost
Success depends heavily on your effort outside class hours
May need additional prep for technical interviews
Not all bootcamps teach best practices for enterprise code

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Top Ranked Software Engineering Degree Programs in Other States

State	Total Programs	Median Tuition	Top Program
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas	36	$21,728	Texas A & M University-College Station
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in New York	48	$31,100	Cornell University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Florida	29	$13,844	Full Sail University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Washington	19	$19,920	University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Massachusetts	35	$48,552	University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Illinois	42	$35,740	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Georgia	15	$9,790	Georgia State University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Pennsylvania	50	$39,700	Drexel University

Software Engineering in California: FAQ

How We Rank Software Engineering Degree Programs

Based on 50 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 50 software engineering degree programs in California using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for software engineering graduates. California median salary of $145,770 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

California salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.

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Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California — 2026 Rankings

Key Takeaways

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Program Landscape

Costs & Value

Career Pathways

Curriculum & Specializations

Diablo Valley College

De Anza College

Orange Coast College

Grossmont College

Santa Monica College

Clovis Community College

Citrus College

Irvine Valley College

San Diego Miramar College

College of the Canyons

Online Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Online Program Options

Costs & Employer Recognition

Program Format

Technology & Flexibility

Diablo Valley College

De Anza College

Grossmont College

Santa Monica College

Orange Coast College

Moorpark College

Antelope Valley Community College District

Solano Community College

Saddleback College

Hartnell College

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Program Landscape

Career Outcomes

Costs & Value

Curriculum & Specializations

University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Irvine

University of California-San Diego

University of California-Los Angeles

University of Southern California

University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Davis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Diego State University

San Jose State University

Online Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Online Program Options

Costs & Employer Recognition

Program Format

Technology & Flexibility

University of California-Berkeley

Stanford University

University of California-Riverside

California State University-Fullerton

California State University-San Marcos

California State University-Monterey Bay

University of Silicon Valley

Point Loma Nazarene University

Dominican University of California

Ashford University

Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in California

Program Landscape

Career Outcomes

Costs & Value

Curriculum & Specializations

University of Southern California

University of California-San Diego