2026 Best Value Software Engineering Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Leading the list is Arizona State University, our #1 best value for software engineering in the Southwest Region. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $26,972. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $81,123. Set against $26,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, TX

Students looking for strong value in software engineering will find it at University Of Houston Clear Lake, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,238 to complete the software engineering program here. Soon after graduation, software engineering degree recipients from University Of Houston Clear Lake generally make around $63,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants.

3

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso is a great value for students pursuing a degree in software engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $19,819. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $102,946. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

4

The University Of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value software engineering schools. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Students borrow a median of $20,833 to complete the software engineering program here. Software Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas At Arlington earn a median of $81,226 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,833 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

5

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

A rank of #5 makes Northern Arizona University one of the best values for software engineering. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $21,645. Software Engineering graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value software engineering schools. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete the software engineering program here. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $50,834. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

7

The University Of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX

The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #7 among the best values for software engineering. Located in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $21,000. Soon after graduation, software engineering degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Dallas generally make around $88,820. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.

8

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #8 for value in software engineering this year. Set in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, software engineering degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $85,619. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #9 spot for software engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete the software engineering program here. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $44,085. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

10

St Marys University
San Antonio, TX

St Marys University earned the #10 position for value in software engineering this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $37,434 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $25,040. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $42,786. That is a strong return on a $25,040 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

11

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
Prescott, AZ

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott came in at #11 for value in software engineering this year. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. In-state tuition and fees average $43,974. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $26,146. Software Engineering graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott earn a median of $79,276 early in their careers. Set against $26,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

12

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University landed the #12 spot for software engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $20,712. Software Engineering graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $130,488 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.