Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Massachusetts 2025
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
573 Software Engineering graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
389 Software Engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Tufts University
220 Software Engineering graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Massachusetts has 25+ accredited software engineering and computer science bachelor's programs across state universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.MIT ranks #1 in Massachusetts with 96% graduation rate and the highest starting salaries in the nation averaging $120,000+
- 3.University of Massachusetts system offers quality education at $16,389 in-state tuition—1/3 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.Massachusetts software developers earn median $130,240 annually—22% above the national median (BLS Massachusetts 2024)
- 5.Boston tech corridor, Cambridge biotech hub, and Route 128 provide 156,000+ software developer jobs statewide
Software Engineering Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts stands as one of the premier destinations for software engineering education in the United States, offering a unique combination of world-class universities, thriving tech industry, and historical innovation. The state's tech ecosystem spans from the biotech companies of Cambridge to the financial technology firms of Boston, creating diverse opportunities for software engineering graduates.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering costs should review our most affordable software engineering programs guide. Career-focused students should examine our software engineer salary guide for Massachusetts-specific compensation data and our comprehensive software engineering degree hub for program overviews.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 87.8 |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | 81.9 |
| 3 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 81.5 |
| 4 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | — | — | 81.2 |
| 5 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | Private | $54,269 | — | — | 72.8 |
| 6 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | Public | $15,850 | 98% | — | 72.7 |
| 7 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | $57,960 | 83% | — | 72 |
| 8 | Amherst College | Amherst, MA | Private | $66,650 | 97% | — | 70.6 |
| 9 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 69.5 |
| 10 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 69 |
| 11 | Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | Private | $66,410 | — | — | 67.7 |
| 12 | Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | 98% | — | 67.6 |
| 13 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 66.1 |
| 14 | College of the Holy Cross | Worcester, MA | Private | $60,050 | 99% | — | 64 |
| 15 | Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | Private | $63,904 | 90% | — | 61 |
Showing 1–15 of 35
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Massachusetts: Side-by-Side
| School | Northeastern | U of Massachusetts-Amherst | Tufts | MIT | Boston |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $62,000 | $16,591 | $66,358 | $59,750 | $63,798 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 90% | 81% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 767 | 573 | 220 | 389 | 404 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 58% | 10% | 5% | 11% |
| Type | Private | Public | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 88.1/100 | 82.8/100 | 78.4/100 | 77.8/100 | 77.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers 35 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $90,048 in the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16,591 | 90% | 573 | 82.8 |
| #2 MIT | $59,750 | N/A% | 389 | 77.8 |
| #3 Tufts | $66,358 | 81% | 220 | 78.4 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Massachusetts
For graduate study, Massachusetts offers 16 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Massachusetts reaching $167,232 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northeastern | $62,000 | N/A% | 767 | 88.1 |
| #2 U of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16,591 | 90% | 291 | 73.7 |
| #3 MIT | $59,750 | N/A% | 265 | 73.2 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Massachusetts
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Massachusetts are at Bridgewater State University ($910/year), Fitchburg State University ($970/year), Westfield State University ($970/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Massachusetts's competitive tech salaries.
At Bridgewater State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $3,640 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $90,048, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Massachusetts (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bridgewater State | $910 | $3,640 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 Fitchburg State | $970 | $3,880 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #3 Westfield State | $970 | $3,880 | 0.1 years | Public |
Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 767 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 88.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 767 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 88.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (767 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This program takes a sociotechnical engineering approach to software with focus on real-world complexity at the intersection of computer science, engineering, and ethics. Students gain expertise in Big Data engineering, advanced analytics, and become fluent in data science for building actual systems with mathematical algorithms that execute at high speed.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.000
Program Details
- Credits: 32 semester hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,591 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 573 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 58%
- • Ranking Score: 82.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 573 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (573 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (58% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMass offers diverse specializations in emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, and game design, with strong industry placement rates and hands-on learning through state-of-the-art labs and required capstone projects.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 87% of undergraduate students obtained a career outcome related to their field of study
- Top Employers: Mass General Brigham, Fidelity Investments, The TJX Companies, Inc., Beth Israel Lahey Health, PricewaterhouseCoopers, EY LLOP, Dell Technologies, Wayfair
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,358 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 220 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 78.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 220 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 78.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (220 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS in Software Systems Development prepares students for careers in a fast-growing technology market with practical experience in all aspects of C/C++ software development. The degree can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule and offers both thesis and course-based study tracks.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 389 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 77.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 389 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (389 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MIT's computing programs are led by world-class faculty and represent the largest majors at the institute, offering multiple specialized tracks from AI to computational biology. The programs prepare students for careers in both public and private sectors as well as graduate studies and academia.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,798 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 404 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 77.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 404 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (404 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Boston University's MS in Software Development is one of the only software development graduate degree programs in the United States, ranked #10 for online computer information technology programs. The program features a 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio and is STEM designated, allowing international students extended Optional Practical Training opportunities.
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Credits: 32 Units
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $106.7K
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications for tech companies, startups, and established corporations throughout Greater Boston and Cambridge
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets for biotech companies, financial firms, and healthcare organizations in Boston's data-rich environment
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244Manage infrastructure and deployment pipelines for scaling startups and enterprise companies in the Route 128 corridor
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-2031Develop artificial intelligence solutions for biotech research, autonomous systems, and healthcare applications
Massachusetts University Systems and Options
Massachusetts offers diverse pathways to software engineering education through both public and private institutions. The University of Massachusetts system provides affordable, quality education across multiple campuses, while the state's renowned private universities offer world-class programs with extensive resources.
The UMass system includes flagship campus UMass Amherst, which offers the strongest public computer science program in the state, and UMass Boston, which provides urban accessibility and strong industry connections. UMass Lowell has emerged as a strong option for engineering-focused students seeking hands-on experience.
Private institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern lead globally in computer science and software engineering education, though at significantly higher costs. Mid-tier private options like Boston University, Tufts, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute offer excellent programs with more accessible admissions standards.
For students considering other regional options, explore our rankings for software engineering programs in New York or software engineering programs in California. Students interested in online options should review our best online software engineering degrees guide.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Illinois
Florida
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world-class universities like MIT and Harvard
- Strong industry connections in biotech, fintech, and traditional tech
- Proximity to venture capital and startup ecosystem
- Historical innovation culture and academic excellence
- Dense concentration of tech companies in small geographic area
- Strong public transportation connecting universities to industry
- Four-season climate with rich cultural and historical attractions
- Lower cost of living than Boston/Cambridge area
- Warmer weather and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Less competitive academic and professional environment
- More affordable housing options for students and new graduates
- Larger tech companies with more entry-level positions
- State universities with lower tuition and easier admission
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Software Engineering Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific software engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Software Engineering Resources
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