Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Indiana 2025
Purdue University-Main Campus
879 software engineering graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
University of Notre Dame
18 software engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Indiana University-Bloomington
243 software engineering graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Indiana offers 30+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Purdue University-Main Campus leads with 83% graduation rate
- 3.Indiana software developers earn median $103,570 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne
- 5.Cost of living index: 91.5% of US average (below average)
Software Engineering Education in Indiana: Overview
Indiana offers 30 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 1,821 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne, with major employers including Salesforce, Angie, Cummins.
With a median software developer salary of $103,570 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 91.5% compared to the US average, Indiana offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top software engineering programs in the state are led by Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University-Bloomington, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Indiana-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Indiana Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 83.9 |
| 2 | University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | Private | $62,186 | 99% | 61.5 |
| 3 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | Public | $10,312 | 84% | 60.4 |
| 4 | Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, IN | Public | $7,259 | 92% | 49.1 |
| 5 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | Private | $52,998 | — | 47.6 |
| 6 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Public | $9,241 | — | 46.3 |
| 7 | University of Evansville | Evansville, IN | Private | $41,400 | 96% | 44.9 |
| 8 | Taylor University | Upland, IN | Private | $38,140 | 80% | 44.5 |
| 9 | DePauw University | Greencastle, IN | Private | $56,030 | — | 43.9 |
| 10 | Trine University | Angola, IN | Private | $35,000 | 89% | 43.1 |
| 11 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | Public | $8,688 | — | 43 |
| 12 | Butler University | Indianapolis, IN | Private | $44,990 | 92% | 41.1 |
| 13 | Purdue University Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne, IN | Public | $8,049 | — | 41.1 |
| 14 | Indiana Institute of Technology | Fort Wayne, IN | Private | $29,936 | — | 39.7 |
| 15 | Anderson University | Anderson, IN | Private | $34,590 | — | 39.7 |
| 16 | Wabash College | Crawfordsville, IN | Private | $48,200 | — | 38 |
| 17 | University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Private | $34,416 | — | 36.8 |
| 18 | Indiana University-Southeast | New Albany, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 35.5 |
| 19 | Earlham College | Richmond, IN | Private | $50,970 | — | 34.8 |
| 20 | Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, IN | Private | $45,136 | — | 34.6 |
| 21 | Franklin College | Franklin, IN | Private | $36,600 | — | 34.2 |
| 22 | University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN | Public | $8,751 | — | 33.8 |
| 23 | Indiana University-South Bend | South Bend, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 33.6 |
| 24 | Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | Public | $9,712 | — | 33.6 |
| 25 | Indiana University-Kokomo | Kokomo, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 33.3 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Indiana: Side-by-Side
| School | Purdue | Notre Dame | IU Bloomington | Purdue University Northwest | Rose-Hulman Institute of... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,718 | $62,186 | $10,312 | $7,259 | $52,998 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% | 99% | 84% | 92% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 879 | 18 | 243 | 28 | 126 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 12% | 80% | 71% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 83.9/100 | 61.5/100 | 60.4/100 | 49.1/100 | 47.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Indiana
Indiana offers 29 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University-Bloomington. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,499 in the Indiana market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Indiana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue | $9,718 | 83% | 879 | 83.9 |
| #2 Notre Dame | $62,186 | 99% | 13 | 60.8 |
| #3 IU Bloomington | $10,312 | 84% | 184 | 57.9 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Indiana
For graduate study, Indiana offers 7 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Indiana University-Bloomington, Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Notre Dame. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Indiana reaching $134,641 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Indiana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 IU Bloomington | $10,312 | 84% | 243 | 60.4 |
| #2 Purdue | $9,718 | 83% | 123 | 73.3 |
| #3 Notre Dame | $62,186 | 99% | 18 | 61.5 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Indiana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Indiana are at Purdue University Northwest ($7,259/year), Indiana University-Southeast ($7,492/year), Indiana University-South Bend ($7,492/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Indiana's competitive tech salaries.
At Purdue University Northwest, a 4-year degree costs approximately $29,036 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,499, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Indiana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University Northwest | $7,259 | $29,036 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Indiana University-Southeast | $7,492 | $29,968 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Indiana University-South... | $7,492 | $29,968 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Indiana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Indiana, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,718 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 879 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 83.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 879 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (879 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Purdue Computer Science is one of the country's top-ranked programs where faculty are shaping the future of information technology through cutting-edge research. The flexible curriculum covers advanced topics from AI to bioinformatics while developing essential communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 42.9%
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,186 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 61.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 18 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Notre Dame's Computer Science and Engineering program emphasizes research of the highest technical quality that serves to improve quality of life. The doctoral program can be completed in three to five years with students generally supported as research or teaching assistants.
Program Details
- Credits: 125 Credit Hours
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,312 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 243 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 60.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 243 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (243 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,259 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 49.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 28 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $52,998 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 126 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 47.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 126 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (126 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Rose-Hulman's Software Engineering program provides hands-on access to cutting-edge labs with expert faculty mentorship, preparing students using a process similar to other engineering disciplines that allows software to be reliable and developed within time and cost estimates. The program delivers exceptional career outcomes with $100,000+ average starting salaries and a near-100% placement rate at leading companies like Google, Tesla, and NASA.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Four years of math (through trigonometry/precalculus)
- •Four years of English
- •Three years of lab science (one year EACH of biology, chemistry, and physics)
Program Details
- Credits: 192 Total Credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $100,000+ Average Starting Salaries reported in software engineering majors
- Job Placement: near-100% career placement rate
- Top Employers: Amazon Web Services, Applied Research Lab, BAE Systems, Baker McKenzie, Bank of America, Capital One Financial Corporation, Caterpillar, CME Group, Code Integrity, Collins Aerospace, Deutsche Bank, Discover Financial Services, Doxpop, Drophouse Gen AI, EcoShot, Edgile, Epic Systems, Epirus, Fidelity Investments, First Databank, Flexware Innovation, FloQuest, Fort Wayne Community Schools, GE Appliances, Goldman Sachs, Google, GyanSys, Higher Ground, Leidos, Los Alamos National Laboratory, myhELO, National Security Agency, New Life Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Numerica, PROWARE, Rose-Hulman Ventures, Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, SkillStorm, Software Engineering Professionals, State Farm Insurance, Tapestry Solutions, Telecom & Data Inc., Teradyne, Tesla, Thalasso Therapeutics, UDig, United Launch Alliance
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (91.5% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Salesforce or Angie
- You prefer Indiana's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Indiana's 30)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Indiana
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Indiana
Explore machine learning programs in Indiana
Explore data science programs in Indiana
Explore data analytics programs in Indiana
Explore cybersecurity programs in Indiana
Explore information security programs in Indiana
Explore computer science programs in Indiana
Explore computer engineering programs in Indiana
Explore information technology programs in Indiana
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Software Engineering in Indiana FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Indiana salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.