Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Kentucky 2025
Campbellsville University
128 software engineering graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
University of Louisville
72 software engineering graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
University of Kentucky
43 software engineering graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 8+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Campbellsville University leads with 80% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Software Engineering Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 8 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 311 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top software engineering programs in the state are led by Campbellsville University, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 71.4 |
| 2 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | Public | $12,632 | 91% | 68.5 |
| 3 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 53.1 |
| 4 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 49.5 |
| 5 | Centre College | Danville, KY | Private | $50,250 | — | 44.9 |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 40.1 |
| 7 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY | Private | $45,190 | — | 38.6 |
| 8 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 30.2 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | Campbellsville | U of Louisville | U of Kentucky | Murray State | Centre College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $26,490 | $12,632 | $11,849 | $8,436 | $50,250 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | 91% | 75% | 87% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 128 | 72 | 43 | 16 | 12 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | 81% | 92% | 86% | 54% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 71.4/100 | 68.5/100 | 53.1/100 | 49.5/100 | 44.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 7 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Murray State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Louisville | $12,632 | 91% | 72 | 68.5 |
| #2 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 43 | 53.1 |
| #3 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 16 | 49.5 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 3 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Campbellsville University, University of Louisville, Northern Kentucky University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Campbellsville | $26,490 | 80% | 128 | 71.4 |
| #2 U of Louisville | $12,632 | 91% | 51 | 64.1 |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 2 | 30.2 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year), Western Kentucky University ($11,436/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Murray State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,744 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | $33,744 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
| #3 Western Kentucky | $11,436 | $45,744 | 1.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,490 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 128 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 128 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (128 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,632 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 68.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 72 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (72 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 53.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 43 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 49.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 16 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Centre College
Danville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 44.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 8 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)
Kentucky-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
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 - Kentucky 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.