Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Utah 2025
Western Governors University
1519 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Brigham Young University
264 software engineering graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Utah Valley University
126 software engineering graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Utah offers 11+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Western Governors University leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Utah software developers earn median $108,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
- 5.Cost of living index: 101.3% of US average (above average)
Software Engineering Education in Utah: Overview
Utah offers 11 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 2,114 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, with major employers including Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
With a median software developer salary of $108,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 101.3% compared to the US average, Utah offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top software engineering programs in the state are led by Western Governors University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 11 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)
Utah-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Utah Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | 75.9 |
| 2 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | $6,496 | 91% | 61.3 |
| 3 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 60.8 |
| 4 | Snow College | Ephraim, UT | Public | $4,180 | 100% | 51.8 |
| 5 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | 51.3 |
| 6 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | 46.7 |
| 7 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | Public | $8,175 | 72% | 46.2 |
| 8 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | 43.3 |
| 9 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | Public | $6,006 | 86% | 43.2 |
| 10 | Utah Tech University | Saint George, UT | Public | $5,266 | — | 42.2 |
| 11 | Westminster University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $40,896 | — | 36.2 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Utah: Side-by-Side
| School | Western Governors | Brigham Young | Utah Valley | Snow College | Weber State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,710 | $6,496 | $5,614 | $4,180 | $5,471 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 91% | 92% | 100% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 1519 | 264 | 126 | 5 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 69% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.9/100 | 61.3/100 | 60.8/100 | 51.8/100 | 51.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Utah
Utah offers 11 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Western Governors University, Brigham Young University, Weber State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,600 in the Utah 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 Utah
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors | $7,710 | N/A% | 1519 | 75.9 |
| #2 Brigham Young | $6,496 | 91% | 264 | 61.3 |
| #3 Weber State | $5,471 | 92% | 139 | 61.2 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Utah
For graduate study, Utah offers 5 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Utah, Weber State University, Brigham Young University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Utah reaching $140,400 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Utah
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Utah | $8,175 | 72% | 92 | 46.2 |
| #2 Weber State | $5,471 | 92% | 16 | 51.3 |
| #3 Brigham Young | $6,496 | 91% | 23 | 60.6 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Utah
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Utah are at Snow College ($4,180/year), Utah Tech University ($5,266/year), Weber State University ($5,471/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Utah's competitive tech salaries.
At Snow College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $16,720 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,600, 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 Utah (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Snow College | $4,180 | $16,720 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Utah Tech | $5,266 | $21,064 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 Weber State | $5,471 | $21,884 | 0.5 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Utah
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Utah, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 1,519 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 75.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,519 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,519 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,496 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 264 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 61.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 264 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (264 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
BYU's Software Engineering program emphasizes practical application through dedicated software engineering labs and a comprehensive capstone sequence. The program requires grades of C- or above in major courses and focuses on both technical skills and professional responsibilities including ethics and teamwork.
Program Details
- Credits: 74-76 credits
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,614 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 126 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 60.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 126 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (126 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Software engineers design and develop large software systems and may lead teams of software developers or quality assurance engineers. The program employs innovative software development approaches, such as Agile software development, to effectively manage software development projects.
Admission Prerequisites
- •CS 1400 Fundamentals of Programming
- •CS 1410 Object Oriented Programming
- •CS 2300 Discrete Mathematical Structures I
- •CS 2420 Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
- •CS 2450 Software Engineering
- •MATH 1210 Calculus I
- •ENGL 1010 Introduction to Academic Writing or ENGH 1005 Literacies and Composition Across Contexts
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Snow College
Ephraim, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,180 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 5 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Weber State University
Ogden, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,471 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 16 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Weber State's computer science program works closely with industry companies to secure jobs for students and provides assigned career counselors for job preparation. The program was rated 23rd best computer science degree in the U.S. by Accredited Schools Online and offers specializations in high-demand areas like machine learning and data science.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.95
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Microsoft, Google
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($108,000 median)
- You want to work at companies like Adobe or Qualtrics
- You prefer Utah's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Utah's 11)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Utah
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Explore information technology programs in Utah
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Software Engineering in Utah 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 - Utah 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.