Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee 2025
Vanderbilt University
206 software engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
132 software engineering graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Tennessee Technological University
144 software engineering graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 24+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Vanderbilt University leads with 99% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Software Engineering Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 24 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 864 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top software engineering programs in the state are led by Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 24 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)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Tennessee Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | 98.2 |
| 2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 75.5 |
| 3 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 73.1 |
| 4 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 69.7 |
| 5 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,232 | 91% | 65.8 |
| 6 | The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | Private | $53,418 | 100% | 53.9 |
| 7 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 53.4 |
| 8 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 51.7 |
| 9 | Rhodes College | Memphis, TN | Private | $54,082 | — | 51.2 |
| 10 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 49.6 |
| 11 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | Public | $7,320 | 88% | 49.2 |
| 12 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 48.6 |
| 13 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 48.3 |
| 14 | Lane College | Jackson, TN | Private | $9,270 | — | 45.5 |
| 15 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 40.8 |
| 16 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 40.6 |
| 17 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 40.4 |
| 18 | Tusculum University | Greeneville, TN | Private | $27,500 | — | 39.6 |
| 19 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 38.4 |
| 20 | Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City, TN | Private | $32,900 | — | 37.2 |
| 21 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 36.7 |
| 22 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 35.8 |
| 23 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 31.6 |
| 24 | Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, TN | Private | $10,776 | — | 30.4 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Vanderbilt | University of Tennessee-K... | Tennessee Technological | Middle Tennessee State | University of Tennessee-C... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,618 | $11,332 | $8,764 | $7,536 | $8,232 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 73% | 88% | 97% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 206 | 132 | 144 | 73 | 71 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 46% | 83% | 68% | 77% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 98.2/100 | 75.5/100 | 73.1/100 | 69.7/100 | 65.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 24 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 206 | 98.2 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 132 | 75.5 |
| #3 Tennessee Technological | $8,764 | 88% | 144 | 73.1 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 8 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 72 | 92.6 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 27 | 62.1 |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 17 | 59.9 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Tennessee State University ($7,320/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, 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 Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Tennessee State | $7,320 | $29,280 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 206 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 206 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 98.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (206 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Vanderbilt's Computer Science program offers vibrant collaborative and interdisciplinary research opportunities spanning AI, robotics, software engineering, and medical image computing. The program provides both online and on-campus options with state-of-the-art computational resources and laboratories to support diverse research activities.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 132 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 75.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 132 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (132 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 144 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 73.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 144 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (144 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Tennessee Tech is one of only three National Security Administration/Department of Homeland Security-designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, offering specialized research through the Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center and Machine Intelligence and Data Science Center. The program serves one of the fastest growing departments at Tech with more than 900 students enrolled and provides access to a global alumni network spanning 30 states and over 10 countries.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 73 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (73 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MTSU's computer programs are ABET-accredited and produce graduates valued by tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta, with employment projected to grow 25% and extensive hands-on experience in advanced laboratories.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units English
- •2 units Algebra
- •1 unit Geometry or higher
- •1 additional unit of math
- •3 units Natural Science
- •1 unit United States History
- •1 unit European/World History/World Geography
- •2 units Single Foreign Language
- •1 unit Visual & Performing Arts
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $109,020
- Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, HCA, Schneider Electric, Deloitte, Caterpillar, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Asurion, Blackbaud, Bondware, Buzz Wireless, Dell, Disney, Ebay, Intel, Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 71 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 71 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (71 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 24)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Explore machine learning programs in Tennessee
Explore data science programs in Tennessee
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Explore cybersecurity programs in Tennessee
Explore information security programs in Tennessee
Explore computer science programs in Tennessee
Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore information technology programs in Tennessee
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
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Software Engineering in Tennessee 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 - Tennessee 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.