Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Nevada 2026
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
191 software engineering graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Nevada-Reno
133 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
College of Southern Nevada
37 software engineering graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
- 1.Software Engineers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OEWS 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Software Engineering programs include University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno, College of Southern Nevada based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers Software Engineering education at $8,354/year with 90% graduation rate
- 4.3 accredited Software Engineering programs analyzed in Nevada using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Software Engineering Education in Nevada: Overview
Nevada offers 3 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 361 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, with major employers including Switch, IGT, Zappos.
With a median software developer salary of $98,760 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 104% compared to the US average, Nevada offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top software engineering programs in the state are led by University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno, College of Southern Nevada, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Nevada Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 75.5 |
| 2 | University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | Public | $7,876 | — | 61.2 |
| 3 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $3,465 | 73% | 57.1 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Nevada: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Nevada-Las Vegas | U of Nevada-Reno | College of Southern Nevada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,354 | $7,876 | $3,465 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | N/A% | 73% |
| Annual Graduates | 191 | 133 | 37 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 85% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.5/100 | 61.2/100 | 57.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Nevada
Nevada offers 2 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $69,132 in the Nevada 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 Nevada
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | 90% | 191 | 75.5 |
| #2 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | N/A% | 133 | 61.2 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Nevada
For graduate study, Nevada offers 2 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Nevada-Reno, University of Nevada-Las Vegas. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Nevada reaching $128,388 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Nevada.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Nevada
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | N/A% | 28 | 47.6 |
| #2 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | 90% | 8 | 46.8 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Nevada
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Nevada are at College of Southern Nevada ($3,465/year), University of Nevada-Reno ($7,876/year), University of Nevada-Las Vegas ($8,354/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Nevada's competitive tech salaries.
At College of Southern Nevada, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,860 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $69,132, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Nevada (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 College of Southern Nevada | $3,465 | $13,860 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | $31,504 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | $33,416 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Nevada
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Nevada, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,354 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 191 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 75.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 191 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (191 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,876 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 133 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 61.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 133 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (133 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,465 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 37 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 57.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 37 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (37 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Should You Study Software Engineering in Nevada?
- You want access to tech jobs in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($98,760 median)
- You want to work at companies like Switch or IGT
- You prefer Nevada's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Nevada's 3)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in Nevada FAQ
Based on 3 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)
Nevada-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 - Nevada 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.