Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Virginia 2025
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
233 Software Engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
William & Mary
95 Software Engineering graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
University of Virginia-Main Campus
58 Software Engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
- 1.Virginia has 20+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs with software engineering specializations across public and private universities
- 2.Virginia Tech leads with dedicated Software Engineering bachelor's program and 90% industry job placement rate within 6 months
- 3.Virginia residents pay average $14,714 in-state tuition for public universities—23% below national average for engineering programs
- 4.Virginia software developers earn median $108,240 annually—8% above national median with strong growth in Northern Virginia tech corridor
- 5.Major employers include Capital One, Amazon Web Services, Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, and growing startup ecosystem
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Virginia
Virginia offers excellent software engineering education opportunities across a range of institutions, from Virginia Tech's prestigious engineering programs to UVA's highly-ranked computer science department. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities in government contracting, fintech, and cybersecurity sectors.
Virginia's tech industry has grown significantly, with Northern Virginia becoming a major tech hub housing Amazon's HQ2, numerous government contractors, and a thriving startup ecosystem. This growth translates to strong job prospects for software engineering graduates. For broader context, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings and software engineer salary guide for Virginia-specific compensation insights.
Students considering other technical paths should explore our computer science programs in Virginia or cybersecurity programs in Virginia, both offering strong career prospects in the state's tech ecosystem.
Virginia Software Engineering Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | — | 88.9 |
| 2 | William & Mary | Williamsburg, VA | Public | $18,253 | 94% | — | 76.7 |
| 3 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | Public | $18,823 | 96% | — | 75.2 |
| 4 | Washington and Lee University | Lexington, VA | Private | $63,315 | 94% | — | 67.6 |
| 5 | Averett University | Danville, VA | Private | $38,400 | 99% | — | 57.7 |
| 6 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | — | 57.1 |
| 7 | Virginia Military Institute | Lexington, VA | Public | $10,076 | 95% | — | 54.3 |
| 8 | Virginia State University | Petersburg, VA | Public | $5,540 | 75% | — | 52.2 |
| 9 | Christopher Newport University | Newport News, VA | Public | $10,001 | — | — | 52.1 |
| 10 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | Private | $18,986 | 64% | — | 52.1 |
| 11 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | Public | $12,850 | 92% | — | 51.9 |
| 12 | Shenandoah University | Winchester, VA | Private | $34,614 | 91% | — | 48.4 |
| 13 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA | Private | $37,400 | 99% | — | 48 |
| 14 | University of Virginia's College at Wise | Wise, VA | Public | $6,040 | 91% | — | 47.6 |
| 15 | Radford University | Radford, VA | Public | $8,401 | — | — | 44.4 |
| 16 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | Public | $7,590 | — | — | 43.5 |
| 17 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Private | $15,015 | 78% | — | 43.1 |
| 18 | Roanoke College | Salem, VA | Private | $34,820 | — | — | 42.4 |
| 19 | University of Management and Technology | Arlington, VA | For-Profit | $9,360 | — | — | 42.1 |
| 20 | Longwood University | Farmville, VA | Public | $8,660 | — | — | 42 |
| 21 | Bridgewater College | Bridgewater, VA | Private | $40,300 | — | — | 39.9 |
| 22 | Eastern Mennonite University | Harrisonburg, VA | Private | $41,410 | — | — | 35.9 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | Virginia Tech | William & Mary | UVA | Washington and Lee | George Mason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,698 | $18,253 | $18,823 | $63,315 | $10,095 |
| Graduation Rate | 95% | 94% | 96% | 94% | 80% |
| Annual Graduates | 233 | 95 | 58 | 20 | 66 |
| Acceptance Rate | 57% | 33% | 17% | 17% | 89% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 88.9/100 | 80.5/100 | 79.0/100 | 67.6/100 | 61.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Virginia
Virginia offers 22 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, William & Mary, University of Virginia-Main Campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $88,270 in the Virginia 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 Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Virginia Tech | $12,698 | 95% | 233 | 88.9 |
| #2 William & Mary | $18,253 | 94% | 95 | 80.5 |
| #3 UVA | $18,823 | 96% | 58 | 79.0 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Virginia
For graduate study, Virginia offers 4 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Virginia-Main Campus, George Mason University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Virginia reaching $163,930 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Virginia Tech | $12,698 | 95% | 81 | 85.2 |
| #2 UVA | $18,823 | 96% | 19 | 73.0 |
| #3 George Mason | $10,095 | 80% | 66 | 61.2 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Virginia are at Virginia State University ($5,540/year), University of Virginia's College at Wise ($6,040/year), Old Dominion University ($7,590/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Virginia's competitive tech salaries.
At Virginia State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,160 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $88,270, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Virginia (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Virginia State | $5,540 | $22,160 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 U of Virginia's College... | $6,040 | $24,160 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 Old Dominion | $7,590 | $30,360 | 0.6 years | Public |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,698 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 233 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 88.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 233 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 88.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (233 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Virginia Tech's Software Systems Major within Computer Engineering offers a comprehensive 120-credit program that combines core engineering principles with specialized software development skills. The program requires career bridge experiences and includes advanced coursework in artificial intelligence, real-time systems, and large-scale software development.
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Available Specializations / Concentrations
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,253 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 95 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 33%
- • Ranking Score: 80.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 95 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (95 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (33% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,823 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 58 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 17%
- • Ranking Score: 79.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 58 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (58 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (17% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UVA Wise offers Virginia's only four-year undergraduate software engineering degree, accredited by ABET, with opportunities for paid internships and placement at leading companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and includes cybersecurity concentrations, preparing graduates for careers at top-tier organizations.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: B average
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Capital One, CGI, Booz Allen Hamilton
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,315 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 17%
- • Ranking Score: 67.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 20 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 67.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (17% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,095 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 61.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 66 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (66 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS in Software Engineering prepares students to become leaders in engineering high quality, large scale computing solutions with emphasis on pragmatic problem solving addressing reliability, usability, security, cost, and efficiency. The program is designed for working professionals with all classes scheduled in the late afternoon, and graduates go on to technical leadership positions such as engineering lead, software architect, director of engineering, and CTO.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introductory programming in any programming language
- •Knowledge of an object-oriented programming language such as Java, C++, or C#
- •Data structures and algorithms
- •Machine organization such as those given in computer system architecture or assembly language courses
- •Discrete mathematics, including sets, propositional and predicate logic, relations, functions, trees, graphs, and inductive proofs
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems for various industries
Software Developer
SOC 15-1256Create applications and systems software for computers and mobile devices
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Bridge development and operations teams to improve software deployment and infrastructure
Systems Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop and maintain operating systems, network software, and database systems
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1254Work on both front-end and back-end development for web applications
Virginia Public University Systems and Private Options
Virginia's public higher education system includes several universities offering strong software engineering and computer science programs. The Virginia Tech system leads in engineering education, while UVA provides prestigious academic credentials. The Virginia Commonwealth University system serves urban areas with practical, industry-focused programs.
Northern Virginia universities like George Mason University benefit from proximity to the Washington D.C. tech corridor, offering excellent internship and job opportunities with government contractors and private sector companies. Students interested in the broader tech education landscape should explore artificial intelligence programs in Virginia and data science programs in Virginia.
- Virginia Tech System: Premier engineering programs with dedicated Software Engineering degrees
- University of Virginia: Elite public university with top-tier computer science program
- Virginia Commonwealth University: Urban campus with strong industry partnerships
- George Mason University: Northern Virginia location with government and private sector connections
- James Madison University: Growing computer science program with software development focus
Other Tech Degree Programs in Virginia
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to the Washington D.C. tech corridor and government contracting opportunities
- You prefer in-state tuition rates at high-quality public universities
- You're interested in cybersecurity, fintech, or government technology sectors
- You want to stay close to family while attending a respected engineering program
- You value strong job prospects without the high cost of living in tech hubs like Silicon Valley
- You want access to major tech company headquarters (consider California or Washington)
- You prefer larger tech startup ecosystems (consider California, New York, or Texas)
- You want more specialized software engineering programs (consider Carnegie Mellon in Pennsylvania)
- You're seeking the highest possible starting salaries (consider California or Washington)
- You want more diverse climate and geography options
Virginia Software Engineering Programs FAQ
Based on 15 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 Virginia Tech Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited universities
Virginia-specific salary and employment data for software developers and engineers
State oversight body providing data on Virginia university systems and transfer pathways
Job placement rates and starting salary data from individual university career centers
Program accreditation status for engineering and computer science programs
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.