Oklahoma university campus representing software engineering education
Updated December 2025

Best Software Engineering Programs in Oklahoma: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 11 top accredited software engineering programs in Oklahoma. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman.

Programs Ranked11
Median Salary$89,340
Cost of Living87.9%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Oklahoma 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OKPublic

130 software engineering graduates annually, 88% graduation rate

$5K
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
77.6
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Oklahoma Christian University

Edmond, OKPrivate

101 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$25K
Tuition/yr
59.0
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of Tulsa

Tulsa, OKPrivate

52 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$47K
Tuition/yr
58.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Oklahoma offers 11+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
  • 2.University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus leads with 88% graduation rate
  • 3.Oklahoma software developers earn median $89,340 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman
  • 5.Cost of living index: 87.9% of US average (below average)

Software Engineering Education in Oklahoma: Overview

Oklahoma offers 11 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 413 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, with major employers including Paycom, Devon Energy, ONEOK.

With a median software developer salary of $89,340 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 87.9% compared to the US average, Oklahoma offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.

The top software engineering programs in the state are led by University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, Oklahoma Christian University, University of Tulsa, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Oklahoma Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman, OKPublic$5,07088%77.6
2Oklahoma Christian UniversityEdmond, OKPrivate$24,550โ€”59
3University of TulsaTulsa, OKPrivate$46,932โ€”58.1
4Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OKPublic$5,41783%56.2
5Cameron UniversityLawton, OKPublic$5,220โ€”45.8
6Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah, OKPublic$6,623โ€”44.6
7Seminole State CollegeSeminole, OKPublic$3,210โ€”44
8Rose State CollegeMidwest City, OKPublic$3,778โ€”43.4
9University of Central OklahomaEdmond, OKPublic$7,284โ€”43.1
10Murray State CollegeTishomingo, OKPublic$4,830โ€”40.1
11Oral Roberts UniversityTulsa, OKPrivate$32,50096%39.4

Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Oklahoma: Side-by-Side

SchoolU of Oklahoma-NormanOklahoma ChristianU of TulsaOklahoma StateCameron
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$5,070
$24,550
$46,932
$5,417
$5,220
Graduation Rate
88%
N/A%
N/A%
83%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
130
101
52
32
13
Acceptance Rate
77%
97%
58%
71%
N/A
Type
Public
Private
Private
Public
Public
Score
77.6/100
59.0/100
58.1/100
56.2/100
45.8/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers 7 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,538 in the Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Oklahoma-Norman
$5,070
88%
130
77.6
#2 U of Tulsa
$46,932
N/A%
52
58.1
#3 Oklahoma State
$5,417
83%
32
56.2

Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Oklahoma

For graduate study, Oklahoma offers 5 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Oklahoma Christian University, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, University of Tulsa. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Oklahoma reaching $116,142 or more.

Explore our complete national rankings of the best software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Oklahoma.

Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Oklahoma

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Oklahoma Christian
$24,550
N/A%
101
59.0
#2 U of Oklahoma-Norman
$5,070
88%
36
59.8
#3 U of Tulsa
$46,932
N/A%
16
47.1

Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Oklahoma

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Oklahoma are at Seminole State College ($3,210/year), Rose State College ($3,778/year), Murray State College ($4,830/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Oklahoma's competitive tech salaries.

At Seminole State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,840 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,538, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Oklahoma (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Seminole State College
$3,210
$12,840
0.5 years
Public
#2 Rose State College
$3,778
$15,112
0.5 years
Public
#3 Murray State College
$4,830
$19,320
0.7 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Oklahoma

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Oklahoma, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,070 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Software Engineering Graduates: 130 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 77.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 88% graduation rate
  • 130 software engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 77.6 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (130 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,340), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Oklahoma Christian University

Edmond, OK โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $24,550 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Software Engineering Graduates: 101 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 59.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 101 software engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 59.0 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (101 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,340), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

University of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $46,932 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Software Engineering Graduates: 52 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 58%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 58.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 52 software engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 58.1 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (52 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,340), and selectivity (58% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, OK โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,417 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Software Engineering Graduates: 32 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 56.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 83% graduation rate
  • 32 software engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 56.2 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,340), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Cameron University

Lawton, OK โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,220 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Software Engineering Graduates: 13 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 45.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 13 software engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 45.8 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$62,538
Starting Salary
$89,340
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
496
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Oklahoma with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$86,457

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Oklahoma with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$89,315

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Oklahoma with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$93,654
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Oklahoma with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$82,652

Database Administrator opportunities in Oklahoma with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$92,644

Software Engineering Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Oklahoma if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman
  • You're seeking lower cost of living (87.9% of US average)
  • You want to work at companies like Paycom or Devon Energy
  • You prefer Oklahoma's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Oklahoma's 11)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Software Engineering in Oklahoma FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Oklahoma-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 - Oklahoma salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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