Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Missouri 2025
Washington University in St Louis
202 software engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Missouri-Kansas City
648 software engineering graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
1170 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 21+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Washington University in St Louis leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)
Software Engineering Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 21 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 2,714 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri 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 Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Central Missouri, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 21 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)
Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Missouri Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 74.2 |
| 2 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 73.3 |
| 3 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 71.4 |
| 4 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 50.3 |
| 5 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | Private | $21,300 | 93% | 49.4 |
| 6 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | 92% | 47.9 |
| 7 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 45.5 |
| 8 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 45.2 |
| 9 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | Public | $13,008 | 80% | 42.6 |
| 10 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, MO | Public | $13,008 | — | 41.4 |
| 11 | Missouri Western State University | Saint Joseph, MO | Public | $7,740 | — | 41.2 |
| 12 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 40.7 |
| 13 | Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $30,530 | — | 40.3 |
| 14 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 39.1 |
| 15 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 38 |
| 16 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 37.7 |
| 17 | Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | Public | $9,132 | — | 36.6 |
| 18 | Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | Private | $41,900 | — | 34.7 |
| 19 | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Fayette, MO | Private | $26,360 | — | 32.4 |
| 20 | Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, MO | Private | $27,290 | — | 31.5 |
| 21 | Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Fayette, MO | Private | $6,480 | 6% | 21.4 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | WashU | U of Missouri-Kansas City | U of Central Missouri | Northwest Missouri State | Missouri Valley College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,750 | $11,190 | $8,325 | $6,442 | $21,300 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 98% | N/A% | N/A% | 93% |
| Annual Graduates | 202 | 648 | 1170 | 320 | 6 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 75% | 69% | 86% | 53% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 74.2/100 | 73.3/100 | 71.4/100 | 50.3/100 | 49.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Missouri
Missouri offers 20 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Central Missouri. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri 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 Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 202 | 74.2 |
| #2 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 87 | 70.1 |
| #3 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 80 | 57.7 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 8 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Missouri-Kansas City, Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 648 | 73.3 |
| #2 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 156 | 72.3 |
| #3 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 1170 | 71.4 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies ($6,480/year), Missouri Western State University ($7,740/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Central Methodist... | $6,480 | $25,920 | 0.7 years | Private |
| #3 Missouri Western State | $7,740 | $30,960 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Missouri, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 202 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 74.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 202 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (202 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Washington University's McKelvey School of Engineering offers a Dual Degree streamlined pathway to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering within 3 years. The school provides comprehensive facilities including makerspaces and specialized labs, with strong career support through the Center for Career Engagement.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus (MATH 1510, MATH 1520, MATH 2500, MATH 2130)
- •Physics (PHYSICS 1740, PHYSICS 1741, PHYSICS 1742, PHYSICS 1743)
- •Chemistry (CHEM 1701 or CHEM 1601 and CHEM 1751)
- •Technical Writing (ENGR 3100)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 648 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 73.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 648 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (648 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (75% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 1,170 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,170 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,170 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCM offers the first and only ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program in Missouri, featuring nearly all PhD faculty and state-of-the-art facilities with nearly 200 PCs. The program boasts a 95% job placement rate and is recognized as a top 15% best value program.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 95% job placement rate
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,442 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 320 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 50.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 320 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (320 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Northwest's School of Computer Science and Information Systems annually hosts a professional advisory team that includes more than 40 professionals from various industries to review the curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant and effective. The program offers both theory and practice with three specialized emphases in high-demand areas.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $21,300 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 49.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 6 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (53% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
- You prefer Missouri's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 21)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
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Illinois
Pennsylvania
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Software Engineering in Missouri 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 - Missouri 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)
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