Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Michigan 2025
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
104 Software Engineering graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Michigan Technological University
134 Software Engineering graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Michigan-Dearborn
86 Software Engineering graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
- 1.Michigan has 15 accredited software engineering bachelor's programs across public universities and private institutions
- 2.University of Michigan Ann Arbor ranks #1 in Michigan with 93% graduation rate and strong automotive industry connections
- 3.Michigan software developers earn median $98,430 annually, with Detroit tech hub driving 25% job growth through 2032
- 4.In-state tuition at public universities averages $17,200, making Michigan programs highly affordable for residents
- 5.Major employers include Ford, General Motors, Quicken Loans, and growing startups in Detroit's tech corridor
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Michigan
Michigan's software engineering programs benefit from the state's transformation from traditional automotive manufacturing to a technology-driven economy. The state's universities have adapted their curricula to serve both the evolving automotive industry's software needs and the growing tech ecosystem in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.
Students can choose between world-class research institutions like the University of Michigan, practical engineering-focused programs at Michigan Tech, or comprehensive state universities like Michigan State. For broader context, review our national software engineering rankings or explore software engineering career outcomes specific to the Midwest market.
Michigan's unique advantage lies in its intersection of traditional manufacturing expertise with emerging technologies. Students gain exposure to automotive software, IoT applications, and advanced manufacturing systems while building fundamental software engineering skills applicable across industries.
Michigan Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | 88.1 |
| 2 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Public | $19,429 | 90% | — | 77.3 |
| 3 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | Public | $14,544 | 94% | — | 73.3 |
| 4 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | Public | $16,930 | 87% | — | 59.6 |
| 5 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Public | $15,200 | — | — | 57.7 |
| 6 | Kettering University | Flint, MI | Private | $45,380 | — | — | 56.4 |
| 7 | Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | Public | $15,198 | — | — | 56.2 |
| 8 | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | Public | $13,862 | — | — | 52.4 |
| 9 | Oakland University | Rochester Hills, MI | Public | $16,429 | — | — | 50.8 |
| 10 | Grand Valley State University | Allendale, MI | Public | $14,978 | 85% | — | 50.5 |
| 11 | University of Michigan-Flint | Flint, MI | Public | $12,942 | — | — | 50 |
| 12 | Lawrence Technological University | Southfield, MI | Private | $40,672 | — | — | 49.3 |
| 13 | Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $38,370 | — | — | 48.8 |
| 14 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | Private | $28,500 | 96% | — | 47.4 |
| 15 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $22,272 | — | — | 46.6 |
| 16 | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | Private | $31,940 | — | — | 45.6 |
| 17 | Baker College | Owosso, MI | Private | $12,460 | — | — | 44.9 |
| 18 | Alma College | Alma, MI | Private | $47,160 | — | — | 42.1 |
| 19 | Concordia University Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Private | $33,750 | 65% | — | 40.8 |
| 20 | Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste Marie, MI | Public | $13,968 | — | — | 38.6 |
| 21 | University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI | Private | $32,300 | — | — | 38.2 |
| 22 | Andrews University | Berrien Springs, MI | Private | $32,400 | — | — | 37.3 |
| 23 | Adrian College | Adrian, MI | Private | $39,280 | — | — | 35.6 |
| 24 | Cornerstone University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $28,300 | — | — | 34.6 |
| 25 | Madonna University | Livonia, MI | Private | $27,360 | — | — | 32.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 26
Michigan Software Engineering Programs: Cost Analysis
| Community College Transfer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $13,000 - $19,000 | $25,000 - $35,000 | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,000 - $50,000 | $25,000 - $35,000 | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Average Class Size | |||
| Research Opportunities | |||
| Industry Connections | |||
| Alumni Network | Large & Active | Smaller but Close | |
| Financial Aid | Need & Merit Based | Pell Grant Eligible |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $17,977 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 132 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 18%
- • Ranking Score: 92.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 132 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 92.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (132 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (18% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,429 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 134 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 77.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 134 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 77.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (134 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,544 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 86 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 77.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 86 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 77.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (86 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,200 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 84 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 60.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 84 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers flexible course formats including online, evening, and hybrid offerings with opportunities for undergraduate research and participation in student organizations. Students gain real-life experience through team-based software development projects in the capstone course.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •18 hours of 200-level
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.7
Program Details
- Credits: 78-82 hours
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,930 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 48 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 59.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 48 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (48 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications and systems for automotive, manufacturing, and tech companies throughout Michigan.
Automotive Software Engineer
Specialize in embedded systems, autonomous vehicle software, and connected car technologies at Ford, GM, and suppliers.
Full Stack Developer
Build web applications and digital platforms for Michigan's growing startup ecosystem and established companies.
Manage development operations and cloud infrastructure for Michigan's technology companies and automotive firms.
Systems Software Developer
Create operating systems, network control systems, and database management software for industrial applications.
Michigan University Systems and Software Engineering Options
Michigan's public university system provides diverse pathways for software engineering education. The University of Michigan system includes the flagship Ann Arbor campus, plus Dearborn and Flint campuses offering more affordable options closer to automotive industry centers.
Michigan's regional universities like Wayne State, Western Michigan, and Grand Valley State provide quality education with strong local industry connections. These programs often feature smaller class sizes and close relationships with regional employers, particularly beneficial for students planning to work in Michigan's automotive corridor.
For students considering related programs, Michigan also offers strong computer science programs, data science options, and cybersecurity degrees. Each program has distinct focuses while sharing foundational computing skills.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Michigan
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- You want affordable, high-quality public education at universities like Michigan or Michigan State
- You're interested in automotive software development and emerging vehicle technologies
- You prefer smaller cities and college towns over major metropolitan areas
- You want to work in the automotive industry or Michigan's growing tech ecosystem
- You value strong alumni networks within the state and Midwest region
- You qualify for in-state tuition and want exceptional value for your education
- You want access to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or Seattle
- You prefer year-round warm weather and aren't comfortable with Michigan winters
- You're seeking venture capital funding for startup ideas requiring Silicon Valley connections
- You want more diverse career options beyond automotive and manufacturing
- You're looking for the highest possible starting salaries in tech
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan 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
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data for 2023
Software developer salary data for Michigan, May 2024
State technology industry and workforce development reports
Program accreditation and institutional data
$15,800
Average In-State Tuition
45,200
Software Engineering Jobs
2,800+
Major Tech Companies
$72,000
Average Starting Salary
25%
Job Growth Rate
15+
Universities Offering SE
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.