Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Virginia 2025
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Premier engineering university with dedicated Software Engineering program and 90% job placement rate within 6 months
Virginia Commonwealth University
Strong industry partnerships in Richmond tech corridor with emphasis on practical software development
University of Virginia
Top-tier computer science program with software engineering concentration and prestigious alumni network
- 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.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Virginia May 2024, University Career Services
6-year completion rate from IPEDS data
Class sizes and faculty accessibility
Job placement rates and Virginia salary data
ABET accreditation and curriculum strength
Virginia Software Engineering Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg | Public | $13,691 | 86% | 14:1 | 94.8 |
| 2 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Public | $14,596 | 72% | 18:1 | 89.2 |
| 3 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville | Public | $17,854 | 94% | 15:1 | 88.7 |
| 4 | George Mason University | Fairfax | Public | $13,014 | 73% | 16:1 | 86.3 |
| 5 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Public | $11,830 | 84% | 16:1 | 84.9 |
| 6 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk | Public | $11,200 | 55% | 17:1 | 82.1 |
| 7 | Virginia Military Institute | Lexington | Public | $19,123 | 77% | 11:1 | 80.8 |
| 8 | Christopher Newport University | Newport News | Public | $14,526 | 78% | 15:1 | 79.5 |
| 9 | Radford University | Radford | Public | $11,418 | 64% | 17:1 | 77.2 |
| 10 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk | Public | $9,068 | 41% | 15:1 | 74.6 |
| 11 | Virginia State University | Petersburg | Public | $9,384 | 45% | 15:1 | 73.8 |
| 12 | Longwood University | Farmville | Public | $13,290 | 69% | 16:1 | 72.4 |
| 13 | Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia Beach | Private | $38,200 | 61% | 13:1 | 71.1 |
| 14 | Bridgewater College | Bridgewater | Private | $38,420 | 65% | 12:1 | 69.7 |
| 15 | Marymount University | Arlington | Private | $35,670 | 69% | 14:1 | 68.3 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 for graduates
- • Required senior capstone project with real industry clients
- • Internship partnerships with 200+ Virginia and national tech companies
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited Software Engineering program with dedicated curriculum
- 90% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Strong industry partnerships with Capital One, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon
- Advanced software development labs and collaborative workspaces
- Active student organizations including ACM and Software Engineering Club
Why Ranked #1
Virginia Tech stands out as Virginia's premier engineering institution with one of the few dedicated Software Engineering bachelor's programs in the state. The program combines rigorous computer science fundamentals with software engineering methodology, systems design, and project management.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia • University
Program Highlights
- • 85% of graduates employed in software roles within 6 months
- • Average starting salary of $72,000
- • Required software engineering practicum course
- • Strong alumni network in Virginia's tech industry
Program Strengths
- Computer Science degree with software engineering concentration
- Strong partnerships with Richmond's financial and healthcare tech sectors
- Hands-on curriculum with multiple software development projects
- Active internship program with local and regional employers
- Modern computing labs and collaborative development environments
Why Ranked #2
VCU's computer science program with software engineering emphasis benefits from Richmond's growing tech sector and strong industry connections. The program emphasizes practical software development skills and real-world project experience.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate—highest among Virginia public universities
- • Average starting salary of $85,000
- • Strong placement at major tech companies and graduate schools
- • Active involvement in open source projects and research
Program Strengths
- Top-ranked computer science program with software engineering track
- Prestigious university brand recognition among employers
- Strong research opportunities in software systems and engineering
- Excellent alumni network including tech industry leaders
- Small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship
Why Ranked #3
UVA's computer science program offers a software engineering concentration within one of the most prestigious public universities in the nation. The program combines academic rigor with strong industry connections and excellent career outcomes.
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
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
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $14,714 | $32,890 | $37,430 |
| Average Class Size | 25-35 students | 25-35 students | 15-25 students |
| Industry Connections | Strong regional | Strong regional | Varies by school |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Limited |
| Alumni Network | Strong in Virginia | Strong in Virginia | Smaller but focused |
| Graduate School Placement | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Financial Aid Availability | Moderate | Limited | Generous |
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
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.