Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
World-renowned software engineering program with 98% job placement and $120K starting salaries. Strong industry partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Pennsylvania State University
Top-ranked public software engineering program with excellent value. Strong alumni network and growing tech industry connections throughout Pennsylvania.
Drexel University
Innovative co-op program with 18-month paid work experience. Strong connections to Philadelphia's growing fintech and healthcare tech sectors.
- 1.Pennsylvania has 35+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 globally for software engineering with 93% graduation rate and direct pipelines to top tech companies
- 3.Penn State offers exceptional value at $18,436 in-state tuition with strong industry partnerships across Pennsylvania
- 4.Pennsylvania software engineers earn median $112,840 annually—4% above national median (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tech hubs provide 45,000+ software development jobs with companies like Comcast, Vanguard, and PNC
Software Engineering Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers diverse pathways for software engineering education, from Carnegie Mellon's world-class program to affordable state system options. The state's tech sector is rapidly expanding, driven by growth in Philadelphia's fintech corridor and Pittsburgh's emerging AI and robotics industry.
For nationwide comparisons, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable software engineering programs. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Pennsylvania-specific compensation data and growth projections.
Pennsylvania's tech ecosystem offers unique advantages: lower cost of living compared to Silicon Valley, growing venture capital presence, and strong connections between universities and major employers like Comcast, Vanguard, and emerging startups in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Pennsylvania May 2024, University Career Centers
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and personalized attention metrics
Pennsylvania-specific salaries from BLS OEWS and industry placement rates
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor and competitiveness
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Private | $63,829 | 93% | 7:1 | 97.8 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park | Public | $18,436 | 86% | 14:1 | 91.2 |
| 3 | Drexel University | Philadelphia | Private | $58,965 | 74% | 11:1 | 88.5 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Private | $63,452 | 96% | 6:1 | 87.9 |
| 5 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem | Private | $60,730 | 91% | 9:1 | 86.3 |
| 6 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Public | $21,432 | 82% | 15:1 | 84.7 |
| 7 | Villanova University | Villanova | Private | $62,773 | 91% | 12:1 | 83.5 |
| 8 | Temple University | Philadelphia | Public | $18,296 | 72% | 17:1 | 82.1 |
| 9 | Bucknell University | Lewisburg | Private | $62,394 | 90% | 9:1 | 81.8 |
| 10 | Lafayette College | Easton | Private | $61,610 | 89% | 10:1 | 80.9 |
| 11 | Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown | Public | $16,716 | 68% | 16:1 | 79.4 |
| 12 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Private | $46,412 | 82% | 13:1 | 78.6 |
| 13 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Private | $34,930 | 65% | 15:1 | 77.2 |
| 14 | West Chester University | West Chester | Public | $12,696 | 74% | 19:1 | 76.8 |
| 15 | Shippensburg University | Shippensburg | Public | $12,844 | 60% | 21:1 | 75.1 |
| 16 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia | Private | $50,736 | 84% | 12:1 | 74.7 |
| 17 | Widener University | Chester | Private | $48,766 | 67% | 12:1 | 73.5 |
| 18 | King's College | Wilkes-Barre | Private | $39,930 | 73% | 13:1 | 72.9 |
| 19 | Millersville University | Millersville | Public | $13,440 | 66% | 18:1 | 71.8 |
| 20 | La Salle University | Philadelphia | Private | $48,500 | 69% | 13:1 | 70.6 |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 93% six-year graduation rate, highest in Pennsylvania
- • Alumni founded companies worth over $1 trillion combined
- • Located in Pittsburgh's thriving tech ecosystem
Program Strengths
- World-class faculty including Turing Award winners and ACM Fellows
- 98% job placement rate with average starting salary of $120,000
- Direct recruiting pipelines to Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta
- Cutting-edge research in AI, robotics, and distributed systems
- Small class sizes with 7:1 student-faculty ratio
- State-of-the-art facilities including the Gates Hillman Complex
Why Ranked #1
Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science is globally recognized as the premier software engineering institution. The program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical software development skills, producing graduates who consistently secure positions at top technology companies with starting salaries averaging $120,000.
Student Reviews
"The rigor is intense but the career outcomes are unmatched. Every major tech company actively recruits here."
— Current CMU SCS Student
"The faculty genuinely care about your success and the alumni network opens doors everywhere in tech."
— Recent Graduate, now at Google
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 86% graduation rate with strong job placement
- • Over 500,000 active alumni worldwide
- • Growing connections to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tech scenes
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive software engineering curriculum with ABET accreditation
- Strong industry partnerships with companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin
- Excellent value at $18,436 in-state tuition
- Large, active alumni network throughout Pennsylvania and nationally
- Modern facilities in the Westgate Building
- Active student organizations and hackathon participation
Why Ranked #2
Penn State offers exceptional value in software engineering education, combining a strong academic program with extensive industry partnerships. The program emphasizes both technical skills and teamwork, preparing students for successful careers in Pennsylvania's growing tech sector and beyond.
Student Reviews
"The program combines solid technical training with real-world experience. The career fairs bring in amazing companies."
— Penn State CSE Senior
"Great value education with strong support systems. The alumni network really helps with job searches."
— Recent Graduate, now at Lockheed Martin
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • Students earn average of $45,000 during co-op rotations
- • Located in Philadelphia's University City innovation district
- • Strong placement in fintech and healthcare technology companies
Program Strengths
- Mandatory 18-month co-op program with paid work experience
- Strong connections to Philadelphia's growing fintech sector
- Partnerships with companies like Comcast, Vanguard, and Independence Blue Cross
- Modern facilities in the Drexel Technology Campus
- Interdisciplinary approach combining technology with business skills
- High employment rate among graduates due to co-op experience
Why Ranked #3
Drexel's cooperative education program sets it apart, providing students with 18 months of paid work experience before graduation. This experiential learning approach, combined with strong connections to Philadelphia's fintech and healthcare technology sectors, produces work-ready graduates.
Student Reviews
"The co-op experience is invaluable. I had job offers before graduating because of the connections I made."
— Drexel CCI Graduate
"Being in Philadelphia gives you access to so many different industries. The co-op program opens doors everywhere."
— Current Student, Co-op at Comcast
Pennsylvania University Systems and Software Engineering
Pennsylvania's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for software engineering students. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) provides affordable options across 14 universities, while world-class private institutions like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pennsylvania offer premium programs with exceptional outcomes.
The Penn State system, with campuses throughout the state, offers consistent quality in computer science and software engineering education. Students can start at branch campuses like Penn State Harrisburg or Behrend and transfer to University Park, providing flexible pathways to a Penn State degree.
Philadelphia's concentration of universities creates a unique ecosystem where students can access internships and co-ops with major employers like Comcast, Vanguard, and emerging fintech startups. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's tech renaissance, centered around Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, provides opportunities with companies like Google, Uber, and numerous AI startups.
For students considering alternative education paths, our software engineering bootcamps guide covers intensive programs available in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Additionally, our technical interview preparation guide helps students from any background succeed in Pennsylvania's competitive tech job market.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications across various industries including fintech, healthcare, and emerging technologies.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, particularly strong in Pittsburgh's emerging AI corridor.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage development operations and infrastructure, in high demand across Pennsylvania's growing tech sector.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data sets for business insights, particularly valuable in Philadelphia's financial services sector.
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $16,847 | $52,384 | Public |
| Average Class Size | 24 students | 12 students | Private |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive at flagships | More accessible | Tie |
| Industry Connections | Strong alumni network | Boutique partnerships | Public |
| Financial Aid Availability | Merit and need-based | Generous need-based | Private |
| Post-Graduation Debt | Lower average | Higher but offset by aid | Public |
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to both established tech companies and emerging startups
- You prefer lower cost of living compared to California or New York
- You value strong industry-university partnerships and co-op opportunities
- You're interested in fintech, healthcare technology, or AI research
- You want proximity to multiple major cities (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York)
- You're seeking affordable public education options with Penn State system
- You want to study at world-renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon
- You specifically want Silicon Valley connections and venture capital access
- You prefer year-round warm weather and outdoor lifestyle
- You're targeting specific tech hubs like Seattle (Microsoft, Amazon) or Austin
- You want larger tech job markets with more entry-level opportunities
- You're interested in entertainment technology or gaming industries
- You prefer research-focused programs at major state flagship universities
Pennsylvania Software Engineering Programs FAQ
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for 2023
Software engineer salary data for Pennsylvania as of May 2024
Alumni salary outcomes and career progression data
Employment rates and starting salaries from individual university career centers
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.