2026 Best Value Software Engineering Schools in Texas

1

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

Leading the list is The University Of Texas At El Paso, our #1 best value for software engineering in Texas. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $19,819. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $102,946. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, TX

University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value software engineering schools. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Students borrow a median of $22,238 to complete the software engineering program here. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $63,751. Set against $22,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants.

3

The University Of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in software engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

4

The University Of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX

The University Of Texas At Dallas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in software engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Software Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Software Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas At Dallas earn a median of $88,820 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.

5

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

A rank of #5 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values for software engineering. Set in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the software engineering program here. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $85,619. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants.

6

St Marys University
San Antonio, TX

St Marys University landed the #6 spot for software engineering value this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. Software Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. Soon after graduation, software engineering degree recipients from St Marys University generally make around $42,786. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

7

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University came in at #7 for value in software engineering 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. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $130,488. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.