Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Texas 2025
Texas A & M University-College Station
555 Software Engineering graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
The University of Texas at Dallas
215 Software Engineering graduates annually, 77% graduation rate
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
178 Software Engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
- 1.Texas has 70+ accredited software engineering bachelor's programs across UT System, Texas State, and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.UT Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 86% graduation rate and direct access to Austin's thriving tech ecosystem
- 3.Texas software developers earn median $116,350 annually with no state income tax—maximizing take-home pay
- 4.Austin ranks as America's #2 tech hub after Silicon Valley with Dell, IBM, Oracle, and Tesla headquarters
- 5.Major Texas tech employers include Dell Technologies, Oracle, IBM, Tesla, AT&T, and 5,000+ startups statewide
Software Engineering Education in Texas: Silicon Hills and Beyond
Texas has emerged as one of America's premier destinations for software engineering education, offering world-class programs at public university prices. The state combines academic excellence with unparalleled industry access, particularly in Austin's Silicon Hills, Houston's energy tech sector, and Dallas-Fort Worth's enterprise technology corridor.
What sets Texas apart is the combination of no state income tax, lower living costs, and direct access to major tech employers. Companies like Dell Technologies, Oracle, IBM, Tesla, and AT&T maintain significant operations throughout the state, creating abundant internship and career opportunities for software engineering graduates.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable software engineering programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Texas-specific compensation data.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 83.1 |
| 2 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | — | 67 |
| 3 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | Public | $7,637 | 96% | — | 65.7 |
| 4 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | Public | $9,206 | 67% | — | 62.9 |
| 5 | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | Public | $8,606 | 75% | — | 62 |
| 6 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $57,212 | 89% | — | 60.6 |
| 7 | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX | Private | $34,680 | 86% | — | 54.5 |
| 8 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | Public | $8,685 | 91% | — | 53.2 |
| 9 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | Public | $8,935 | 81% | — | 52.6 |
| 10 | University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, TX | Public | $6,600 | 66% | — | 51.1 |
| 11 | Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, TX | Public | $7,387 | 99% | — | 50 |
| 12 | Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, TX | Private | $23,928 | 86% | — | 48.7 |
| 13 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | $8,319 | 70% | — | 48.1 |
| 14 | West Texas A & M University | Canyon, TX | Public | $6,372 | 99% | — | 47.6 |
| 15 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | Private | $54,844 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 16 | Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $36,510 | 95% | — | 44.6 |
| 17 | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, TX | Private | $30,600 | 91% | — | 44.5 |
| 18 | Austin College | Sherman, TX | Private | $45,878 | — | — | 44 |
| 19 | Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth, TX | Private | $32,960 | 62% | — | 43.8 |
| 20 | Texas A & M International University | Laredo, TX | Public | $3,818 | 82% | — | 43.3 |
| 21 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Public | $6,239 | — | — | 41.7 |
| 22 | Houston Christian University | Houston, TX | Private | $35,500 | 75% | — | 41.6 |
| 23 | University of Dallas | Irving, TX | Private | $47,300 | — | — | 41.4 |
| 24 | North American University | Stafford, TX | Private | $12,236 | 34% | — | 41.1 |
| 25 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | Public | $4,416 | 69% | — | 40.5 |
Showing 1–25 of 36
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Texas: Side-by-Side
| School | Texas A&M | Lamar | University of Texas at... | University of Texas Rio... | University of Texas at... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,003 | $6,228 | $14,564 | $7,637 | $9,206 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 99% | 77% | 96% | 67% |
| Annual Graduates | 555 | 192 | 215 | 178 | 250 |
| Acceptance Rate | 63% | 86% | 65% | 85% | 81% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 83.1/100 | 67.2/100 | 67.0/100 | 65.7/100 | 62.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Texas
Texas offers 36 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Texas A & M University-College Station, The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $80,577 in the Texas 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 Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M | $9,003 | 84% | 555 | 83.1 |
| #2 University of Texas at... | $14,564 | 77% | 215 | 67.0 |
| #3 University of Texas Rio... | $7,637 | 96% | 178 | 65.7 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Texas
For graduate study, Texas offers 19 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Texas A & M University-College Station, Lamar University, University of Houston-Clear Lake. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Texas reaching $149,643 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M | $9,003 | 84% | 265 | 83.1 |
| #2 Lamar | $6,228 | 99% | 192 | 67.2 |
| #3 U of Houston-Clear Lake | $6,600 | 66% | 189 | 60.5 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Texas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Texas are at Austin Community College District ($2,010/year), Texas A & M International University ($3,818/year), Tarleton State University ($4,416/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Texas's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Community College District, a 4-year degree costs approximately $8,040 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $80,577, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Texas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Community College... | $2,010 | $8,040 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #2 Texas A & M International | $3,818 | $15,272 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 Tarleton State | $4,416 | $17,664 | 0.4 years | Public |
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,003 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 555 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 63%
- • Ranking Score: 83.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 555 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (555 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (63% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,228 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 192 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 67.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 192 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (192 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Lamar University's Computer Science program offers ABET accreditation, state-of-the-art equipment, and small classes with strong faculty research credentials. The program emphasizes comprehensive areas including software engineering, networking, database, and multimedia with both undergraduate and graduate options available online.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •COSC 4302: Operating Systems
- •COSC 4304: Foundations of Programming
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 121 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $97,790
- Top Employers: Government agencies, Schools and universities, Technology companies, Pharmaceutical and medical companies, Industrial manufacturers, Chemical and refining industry
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,564 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 77% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 215 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 67.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- 215 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (77%), program size (215 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UT Dallas offers both BS and MS degrees in Software Engineering with ABET accreditation and STEM designation, featuring specialized courses in requirements engineering, software validation, and architecture. The program provides access to extensive research laboratories and modern computing facilities including a private virtualization cloud and connections to Internet 2.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 33 semester credit hours minimum (MS), 123 semester credit hours (BS)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,637 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 178 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 65.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 178 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (178 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UTRGV's Computer Engineering program is ABET-EAC accredited and designed with ACM and IEEE guidelines, providing a rigorous foundation in both software and hardware engineering practice at the industry level. The program offers supervised research opportunities and prepares graduates for both industry careers and graduate studies.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,206 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 250 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 62.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 250 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (67%), program size (250 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UTA's Master of Software Engineering program offers competitive degree options including 30-hour thesis, 30-hour non-thesis, and 36-hour non-thesis tracks to accommodate different academic backgrounds and career goals. Graduates earn an average first-year salary of $117,000 in a field with high demand and shortage of qualified professionals.
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $117,000
Career Paths
Software Developer/Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems for tech companies, startups, and enterprise organizations throughout Texas.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Bridge development and operations teams by implementing CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and automation tools for rapid software deployment.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Apply machine learning and statistical analysis to solve business problems, particularly in Austin's fintech and Houston's energy sectors.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-2031Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and predictive analytics applications.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect software systems and networks from security threats, with high demand in Texas's defense, energy, and financial sectors.
Texas University Systems: Public Excellence and Value
Texas offers exceptional value through its public university systems, each providing distinct advantages for software engineering students. The University of Texas System leads with UT Austin's flagship program, while regional campuses like UT Dallas and UT Arlington offer growing tech programs with strong industry connections.
The Texas A&M University System brings engineering excellence to software development education. Beyond the flagship College Station campus, universities like Texas A&M Commerce and Texas A&M Corpus Christi provide quality programs with smaller class sizes and personalized attention.
Texas State University System institutions, including Texas State in San Marcos and Sam Houston State, offer affordable programs with growing tech industry partnerships. These universities particularly excel at preparing students for careers in Austin's expanding tech corridor and Houston's energy technology sector.
Students should also consider software engineering programs in California for Silicon Valley access, or New York programs for fintech opportunities. For comprehensive program comparisons, see our best value software engineering programs guide.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Texas
Software Engineering Programs by State
California
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax to maximize your software engineering salary
- Access to Austin's Silicon Hills tech ecosystem with Dell, IBM, Oracle
- Affordable public education with UT Austin and Texas A&M excellence
- Lower cost of living compared to California and New York tech hubs
- Diverse tech opportunities from Houston energy tech to Dallas enterprise
- Strong university systems with extensive industry partnerships
- Growing startup scene with venture capital investment increasing annually
- Silicon Valley access and highest tech salaries (California)
- Fintech and media tech opportunities (New York)
- Established tech scenes with deeper venture capital (California/Washington)
- More temperate climates year-round
- Extensive public transportation systems
Texas Software Engineering Programs FAQ
Based on 25 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 all accredited universities
State-specific salary data for software developers and related technology occupations
Texas-specific higher education data, enrollment trends, and workforce outcomes
Federal education statistics including program accreditation and completion rates
Source: Texas maximizes take-home pay compared to California (13.3% tax) and New York (10.9% tax)
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.