Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
270 Software Engineering graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
271 Software Engineering graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Lehigh University
172 Software Engineering graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Pennsylvania has 35+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 globally for software engineering with 93% graduation rate and direct pipelines to top tech companies
- 3.Penn State offers exceptional value at $18,436 in-state tuition with strong industry partnerships across Pennsylvania
- 4.Pennsylvania software engineers earn median $112,840 annually—4% above national median (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tech hubs provide 45,000+ software development jobs with companies like Comcast, Vanguard, and PNC
Software Engineering Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers diverse pathways for software engineering education, from Carnegie Mellon's world-class program to affordable state system options. The state's tech sector is rapidly expanding, driven by growth in Philadelphia's fintech corridor and Pittsburgh's emerging AI and robotics industry.
For nationwide comparisons, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable software engineering programs. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Pennsylvania-specific compensation data and growth projections.
Pennsylvania's tech ecosystem offers unique advantages: lower cost of living compared to Silicon Valley, growing venture capital presence, and strong connections between universities and major employers like Comcast, Vanguard, and emerging startups in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 94.1 |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 83.4 |
| 3 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $61,180 | 81% | — | 78.9 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | 78 |
| 5 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,293 | — | — | 70.2 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 63.8 |
| 7 | Bucknell University | Lewisburg, PA | Private | $64,418 | 94% | — | 63.8 |
| 8 | Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr, PA | Private | $61,190 | 98% | — | 61.8 |
| 9 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | Private | $63,806 | — | — | 59.9 |
| 10 | Haverford College | Haverford, PA | Private | $67,522 | 94% | — | 58.5 |
| 11 | Moravian University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $50,069 | 93% | — | 55.1 |
| 12 | Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | Private | $59,196 | 99% | — | 50.9 |
| 13 | Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | Private | $55,322 | 87% | — | 49.5 |
| 14 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Private | $51,534 | 88% | — | 49.3 |
| 15 | Central Penn College | Summerdale, PA | For-Profit | $18,324 | — | — | 48.8 |
| 16 | Franklin and Marshall College | Lancaster, PA | Private | $68,180 | — | — | 48.4 |
| 17 | Lebanon Valley College | Annville, PA | Private | $48,890 | 98% | — | 47.2 |
| 18 | Widener University | Chester, PA | Private | $52,598 | 86% | — | 47.1 |
| 19 | Thiel College | Greenville, PA | Private | $34,964 | 85% | — | 46.4 |
| 20 | Gettysburg College | Gettysburg, PA | Private | $64,230 | — | — | 46.2 |
| 21 | Dickinson College | Carlisle, PA | Private | $62,900 | — | — | 46.2 |
| 22 | Allegheny College | Meadville, PA | Private | $54,300 | — | — | 44.9 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,204 | 56% | — | 44.7 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | Erie, PA | Public | $15,388 | — | — | 44.2 |
| 25 | Grove City College | Grove City, PA | Private | $20,890 | — | — | 43.6 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania: Side-by-Side
| School | Carnegie Mellon | U of Pennsylvania | U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | Lehigh | Drexel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $62,260 | $58,620 | $20,154 | $61,180 | $58,293 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% | 100% | 88% | 81% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 266 | 194 | 271 | 172 | 316 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 6% | 50% | 29% | 78% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 93.8/100 | 90.5/100 | 83.4/100 | 78.9/100 | 70.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers 50 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, University of Pennsylvania. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $76,181 in the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 270 | 94.1 |
| #2 U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | $20,154 | 88% | 271 | 83.4 |
| #3 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 96 | 81.9 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Pennsylvania
For graduate study, Pennsylvania offers 15 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Pennsylvania reaching $141,479 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 266 | 93.8 |
| #2 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 194 | 90.5 |
| #3 Penn State | $19,672 | 87% | 67 | 66.6 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Pennsylvania are at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Pennsylvania Western University ($7,716/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Pennsylvania's competitive tech salaries.
At Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,864 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $76,181, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Commonwealth University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Kutztown University of... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Pennsylvania Western | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 266 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 93.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 266 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 93.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (266 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS in Software Engineering is a unique program offered exclusively at CMU's Silicon Valley campus, located at the heart of the world's highest concentration of technology organizations. The program balances theory and practice while emphasizing rigorous foundation in core software engineering disciplines with opportunities for real-world collaboration.
Program Details
- Credits: 84 university units (PhD program)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,620 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 194 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 90.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 194 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 90.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (194 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Penn Engineering offers interdisciplinary master's programs with specialized concentrations in cutting-edge fields like AI & Robotics and Hardware Security, allowing students to individualize their program with courses across the university. The program provides access to world-class research centers and industry partnerships in the largest pharmaceutical/biotechnology corridor in the USA.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •undergraduate degree in an engineering subject
- •undergraduate degree in physical science, natural science, and/or informational science
- •at least one course in molecular biology
- •year of college-level calculus
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $132,270
- Top Employers: Air Force Research Lab, Amazon, Apple, Comcast, Google, National Security Agency, Naval Supply System Command, Netflix, Oak Ridge National Lab, PNC Bank, US Department of Defense
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,154 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 271 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 83.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 271 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (271 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,180 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 172 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 29%
- • Ranking Score: 78.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 172 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 78.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (172 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (29% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Lehigh's Computer Science and Engineering department offers extensive research opportunities across multiple specializations including robotics, AI, and networking, with students able to participate in research projects for course credit. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through dedicated laboratories and capstone projects that allow students to synthesize and apply their knowledge.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,293 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 316 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 70.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 316 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (316 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Drexel's Software Engineering program combines comprehensive curriculum covering specification, design, software evolution, quality control and project management with one of the largest and most renowned cooperative education programs founded in 1919. Students can choose between four-year one co-op or five-year three co-op programs, gaining real-world experience before graduation through partnerships with over 1,700 employers across 35 states and 45 international locations.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 187.0
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications across various industries including fintech, healthcare, and emerging technologies.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, particularly strong in Pittsburgh's emerging AI corridor.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage development operations and infrastructure, in high demand across Pennsylvania's growing tech sector.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data sets for business insights, particularly valuable in Philadelphia's financial services sector.
Pennsylvania University Systems and Software Engineering
Pennsylvania's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for software engineering students. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) provides affordable options across 14 universities, while world-class private institutions like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pennsylvania offer premium programs with exceptional outcomes.
The Penn State system, with campuses throughout the state, offers consistent quality in computer science and software engineering education. Students can start at branch campuses like Penn State Harrisburg or Behrend and transfer to University Park, providing flexible pathways to a Penn State degree.
Philadelphia's concentration of universities creates a unique ecosystem where students can access internships and co-ops with major employers like Comcast, Vanguard, and emerging fintech startups. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's tech renaissance, centered around Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, provides opportunities with companies like Google, Uber, and numerous AI startups.
For students considering alternative education paths, our software engineering bootcamps guide covers intensive programs available in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Additionally, our technical interview preparation guide helps students from any background succeed in Pennsylvania's competitive tech job market.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to both established tech companies and emerging startups
- You prefer lower cost of living compared to California or New York
- You value strong industry-university partnerships and co-op opportunities
- You're interested in fintech, healthcare technology, or AI research
- You want proximity to multiple major cities (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York)
- You're seeking affordable public education options with Penn State system
- You want to study at world-renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon
- You specifically want Silicon Valley connections and venture capital access
- You prefer year-round warm weather and outdoor lifestyle
- You're targeting specific tech hubs like Seattle (Microsoft, Amazon) or Austin
- You want larger tech job markets with more entry-level opportunities
- You're interested in entertainment technology or gaming industries
- You prefer research-focused programs at major state flagship universities
Pennsylvania Software Engineering Programs FAQ
Based on 20 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, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for 2023
Software engineer salary data for Pennsylvania as of May 2024
Alumni salary outcomes and career progression data
Employment rates and starting salaries from individual university career centers
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