Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Washington 2025
University of Washington
Premier public research university with direct recruiting from Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. 89% graduation rate and $95K median starting salary
Seattle University
Small class sizes with 11:1 student-faculty ratio and strong industry partnerships with local tech companies
Washington State University
ABET-accredited program with comprehensive software development focus and strong alumni network throughout the Pacific Northwest
- 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.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Washington May 2024, National Student Clearinghouse
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility metrics
Washington-specific salary data from BLS OEWS
Admission standards and program rigor indicators
Washington Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | Public | $12,092 | 89% | 21:1 | 95.8 |
| 2 | Seattle University | Seattle | Private | $51,300 | 81% | 11:1 | 87.3 |
| 3 | Washington State University | Pullman | Public | $11,841 | 73% | 15:1 | 83.1 |
| 4 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | Public | $7,740 | 71% | 19:1 | 79.2 |
| 5 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | Private | $47,884 | 76% | 12:1 | 76.8 |
| 6 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | Private | $47,916 | 74% | 13:1 | 75.4 |
| 7 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | Public | $7,632 | 63% | 17:1 | 72.1 |
| 8 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | Public | $7,740 | 59% | 20:1 | 68.9 |
| 9 | Gonzaga University | Spokane | Private | $49,350 | 88% | 12:1 | 67.5 |
| 10 | University of Puget Sound | Tacoma | Private | $59,520 | 81% | 11:1 | 65.2 |
| 11 | Whitworth University | Spokane | Private | $48,920 | 79% | 12:1 | 63.8 |
| 12 | Walla Walla University | College Place | Private | $29,970 | 64% | 14:1 | 61.4 |
| 13 | The Evergreen State College | Olympia | Public | $7,632 | 56% | 21:1 | 58.7 |
| 14 | Heritage University | Toppenish | Private | $22,600 | 52% | 16:1 | 55.3 |
| 15 | Northwest University | Kirkland | Private | $35,150 | 63% | 15:1 | 52.1 |
University of Washington
Seattle, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 21:1 student-faculty ratio with renowned research faculty
- • Over 400 software engineering and computer science graduates annually
- • $12,092 in-state tuition makes it exceptional value for top-tier education
Program Strengths
- Direct recruiting partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple
- 89% graduation rate with median starting salaries of $95,000+
- Cutting-edge research in AI, machine learning, and distributed systems
- Seattle location provides unlimited internship and co-op opportunities
- Strong alumni network throughout the Pacific Northwest tech industry
Why Ranked #1
The University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering ranks as Washington's premier software engineering program, combining world-class research with direct industry connections to Seattle's tech giants.
Student Reviews
"UW's computer science program opened doors I never knew existed. The faculty connections to industry are incredible, and I had multiple internship offers at major tech companies."
— Sarah Chen, Class of 2024
"The program is rigorous but incredibly rewarding. Being in Seattle means you're surrounded by the tech industry, and companies actively recruit on campus."
— Marcus Rodriguez, Class of 2023
Seattle University
Seattle, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 81% graduation rate with strong job placement outcomes
- • Modern facilities including dedicated software engineering labs
- • Seattle location provides access to thriving startup ecosystem
Program Strengths
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and mentorship
- Comprehensive software development lifecycle curriculum
- Strong partnerships with local tech companies for internships
- Emphasis on software engineering ethics and professional responsibility
- Active student organizations including ACM and Women in Computing
Why Ranked #2
Seattle University offers a personalized approach to software engineering education with small class sizes and strong industry partnerships, ranking as the state's top private program.
Student Reviews
"The small class sizes at Seattle U meant I could build real relationships with professors who became mentors. The curriculum is practical and industry-focused."
— Jennifer Park, Class of 2024
Washington State University
Pullman, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides good accessibility
- • 73% graduation rate with improving retention initiatives
- • Growing partnerships with Spokane and Seattle tech companies
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited software engineering curriculum
- Comprehensive coverage of software development methodologies
- Strong research programs in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
- Affordable tuition at $11,841 for in-state students
- Active alumni network throughout Washington state
Why Ranked #3
WSU's EECS program combines comprehensive software engineering education with research opportunities, offering excellent value as a public institution with strong industry connections.
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.
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
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Massachusetts
Illinois
Virginia
Colorado
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Community Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $9,500 | $45,000 | $3,800 |
| Class Sizes | Medium (15-25) | Small (10-15) | Small (12-20) |
| Industry Connections | Strong (UW) | Very Strong | Regional |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | None |
| Financial Aid | Good | Excellent | Limited |
| Transfer Pathways | Good | Limited | Excellent |
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
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.