Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Washington 2025
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
535 Software Engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
222 Software Engineering graduates annually, 69% graduation rate
Seattle University
97 Software Engineering graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Washington hosts 25+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Washington ranks #1 in Washington with 89% graduation rate and direct recruiting from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google
- 3.Washington software developers earn median $140,020 annually—20% above the national median (BLS Washington 2024)
- 4.Seattle metro area employs 184,580 software developers—third-highest concentration nationally behind Silicon Valley and NYC
- 5.Major employers include Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Expedia, T-Mobile, and 8,000+ tech startups in the Seattle ecosystem
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Washington State
Washington state offers exceptional opportunities for software engineering students, anchored by the presence of global tech giants Amazon and Microsoft. The state's universities have developed strong industry partnerships, providing students with internship opportunities, research collaborations, and direct recruitment pipelines.
The University of Washington leads the state's software engineering education, consistently ranking among the top public computer science programs nationally. For students considering broader options, our national software engineering bachelor's rankings provide comprehensive comparisons. Those interested in online options should explore our best online software engineering degrees guide.
Washington's tech ecosystem extends beyond Seattle, with emerging hubs in Bellevue, Redmond, and Spokane. Students benefit from a state culture that embraces innovation, substantial venture capital investment, and a collaborative tech community. The state's software engineering career opportunities offer some of the highest compensation packages nationally.
Washington Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 95.1 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | Public | $11,524 | 69% | — | 64.3 |
| 3 | Seattle University | Seattle, WA | Private | $53,235 | 92% | — | 62.6 |
| 4 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA | Public | $10,976 | — | — | 61.2 |
| 5 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma, WA | Private | $49,472 | 100% | — | 55 |
| 6 | Whitworth University | Spokane, WA | Private | $49,600 | 92% | — | 54.2 |
| 7 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | — | 53.7 |
| 8 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | — | 53.5 |
| 9 | Heritage University | Toppenish, WA | Private | $19,920 | 84% | — | 52.5 |
| 10 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | Tacoma, WA | Public | $11,524 | 92% | — | 50.8 |
| 11 | Walla Walla University | College Place, WA | Private | $31,899 | — | — | 49.4 |
| 12 | Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA | Private | $52,540 | — | — | 48.2 |
| 13 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA | Public | $7,021 | — | — | 47.7 |
| 14 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | Public | $3,195 | 43% | — | 46.3 |
| 15 | Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | — | 46.1 |
Showing 1–15 of 19
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Washington: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Washington | Seattle | Green River College | Bellevue College | Washington State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,524 | $53,235 | $4,074 | $4,074 | $10,976 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 92% | 99% | 96% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 535 | 82 | 35 | 37 | 229 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 76% | N/A | N/A | 85% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 95.1/100 | 64.4/100 | 63.5/100 | 63.0/100 | 61.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Washington
Washington offers 19 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Seattle University, University of Washington-Bothell Campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $101,661 in the Washington 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 Washington
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Washington | $11,524 | 97% | 535 | 95.1 |
| #2 Seattle | $53,235 | 92% | 97 | 65.7 |
| #3 U of Washington-Bothell | $11,524 | 69% | 222 | 64.3 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Washington
For graduate study, Washington offers 8 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Seattle University, University of Washington-Bothell Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Washington reaching $188,799 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Washington
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Washington | $11,524 | 97% | 59 | 86.6 |
| #2 Seattle | $53,235 | 92% | 82 | 64.4 |
| #3 U of Washington-Bothell | $11,524 | 69% | 52 | 52.1 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Washington
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Washington are at Lake Washington Institute of Technology ($3,195/year), Green River College ($4,074/year), Bellevue College ($4,074/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Washington's competitive tech salaries.
At Lake Washington Institute of Technology, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,780 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $101,661, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Washington (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Lake Washington Institute... | $3,195 | $12,780 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #2 Green River College | $4,074 | $16,296 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #3 Bellevue College | $4,074 | $16,296 | 0.2 years | Public |
Washington State University System Overview
Washington's higher education landscape includes several distinct systems serving software engineering students. The state's flagship University of Washington system anchors technical education, while regional universities and private institutions provide diverse pathways into the technology sector.
The University of Washington system includes campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma. The Seattle campus houses the renowned Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, while the Bothell campus offers a more intimate learning environment with growing tech industry connections. Students considering the broader computer science field should explore our Washington computer science programs for additional options.
Washington State University provides comprehensive public education across multiple campuses, with the Pullman main campus offering the primary software engineering program. Regional universities like Western Washington University and Central Washington University serve students throughout the state with quality programs at affordable tuition rates.
Private institutions including Seattle University, Pacific Lutheran University, and Gonzaga University offer smaller class sizes and personalized attention. These schools often have strong industry partnerships and career services, though at higher tuition rates. Students should weigh the benefits of personalized education against cost considerations.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,524 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 535 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 95.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 535 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 95.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (535 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computing and Software Systems program offers software engineering oriented degrees that emphasize designing quality software-enabled systems with real impact, providing transformative educational experience that includes fundamentals, technical skills, and professional perspective. The program combines computing coursework with studies in non-computing subjects through an approved minor or concentration, creating multidisciplinary expertise.
Admission Prerequisites
- •B WRIT 134 or ENGL 111, 121, or 131 English Composition
- •Second Composition, Research Writing, or Introduction to Technical Writing
- •CSS 132 or 142 or CSE 142 Intro Programming I
- •CSS 133 or 143 or CSE 143 Intro Programming II
- •STMATH 124 Calculus I
- •Statistics
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 180
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 85%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Seattle University
Seattle, WA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $53,235 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 82 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 64.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 82 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (82 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Seattle University's Master of Science in Computer Science offers flexible evening courses and specializations in data science or software engineering, with strong industry connections to Seattle's leading tech employers including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The program features hands-on learning through industry-led projects and a curriculum developed in collaboration with industry leaders.
Program Details
- Credits: 45-49, depending on specialization
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: most MSCS graduates are employed within six months of graduation (2017–2020)
- Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, F5 Networks
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Green River College
Auburn, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,074 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 35 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 63.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 35 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (35 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology-Software Development is designed for students entering at junior standing and prepares graduates for diverse software development roles including software developer, systems analyst, mobile application developer, and web developer. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with team-based workspaces and incorporates Agile practices throughout the curriculum.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •SDEV 220 - Elementary Data Structures
- •CS 145 - Java 2-Data Structures
- •SDEV 106 - Front-End Web Development
- •SDEV 117 - Web Programming with JavaScript
- •SDEV 201 - SQL for Data Analytics
- •IT 201 - Database Fundamentals
- •SDEV 219 - Object-Oriented Programming
- •CS& 141 - Computer Science I Java
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 180 credits
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,074 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 37 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 63.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 37 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (37 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Bellevue College offers both transfer-ready associate degrees (90-91 credits) and bachelor's degrees in software development with multiple specialized tracks including AI and game development. The program combines technical learning with communication skills and is taught by faculty with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions and extensive industry experience.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH& 151 Calculus I
- •ENGL& 101 English Composition I
- •MATH& 152
- •CS 210
- •CS 211
- •5-6 credits of either PHYS 121, biology or chemistry
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 90-91 credits (AAS-T), 180 credits (BS)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Washington State University
Pullman, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 229 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 61.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 229 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (229 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
WSU's Software Engineering program focuses on advanced courses in software development, testing and validation, maintenance, security, and management and integration—all specialties of high demand among the state's computing and IT industries. The program offers hands-on experience creating software systems using different programming languages and provides a solid technical background in math, science, and engineering.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: six-figure salaries
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises
Lead complex software projects, mentor junior developers, and architect scalable systems at major tech companies
Bridge development and operations teams, focusing on automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure management
Develop machine learning models and AI systems, particularly in demand at Amazon, Microsoft, and emerging AI startups
Cloud Solutions Architect
Design and implement cloud computing solutions, especially valuable given Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services presence in Washington
Other Tech Degree Programs in Washington
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Massachusetts
Illinois
Virginia
Colorado
Which Should You Choose?
- Direct access to Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing for internships and full-time opportunities
- High starting salaries ($85K+) with excellent long-term earning potential
- Vibrant tech ecosystem with 8,000+ startups and established companies
- Strong public education options (University of Washington) at affordable tuition
- Pacific Northwest lifestyle with outdoor recreation and progressive culture
- No state income tax maximizing take-home pay
- Lower cost of living (Washington housing costs are high, especially Seattle area)
- Warmer climate and more sunshine year-round
- More diverse tech ecosystems beyond cloud computing and e-commerce
- Established tech scenes in multiple cities rather than Seattle-focused concentration
- Different cultural environments or geographic preferences
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Software Engineering Programs
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 Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing comprehensive higher education statistics including graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics
Washington state-specific employment and salary data for software developers and related occupations
State labor market information and employment projections for technology occupations
Student enrollment and completion data for verification of institutional statistics
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.