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2026 Best Computer Software & Applications Schools

116 Colleges in the United States
13,937 Computer Software & Applications Degrees Awarded
$47,740 Avg Early-Career Salary

Computer Software & Applications programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 728 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best computer software & applications schools.

What’s on this page:

Choosing a Great Computer Software & Applications School

Best Computer Software & Applications Schools

The school you choose for computer software & applications can shape your career. To help, we created our Best Computer Software & Applications Schools rankings. For our Best Overall Computer Software & Applications School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Computer Software & Applications Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Computer Software & Applications
Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Software & Applications
Master's Degrees in Computer Software & Applications
Doctoral Degrees in Computer Software & Applications

We offer several rankings, including this Best Computer Software & Applications Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

Best Schools for Computer Software & Applications in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall computer software & applications education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Computer Software & Applications

1
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Leading the list is Santa Clara University, our #1 school for computer software & applications. Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Santa Clara. About 88% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 15 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Santa Clara University in the most recent data year. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Santa Clara University earn a median of $79,380 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,144. See the full computer software & applications program report for Santa Clara University

2
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Students looking for a strong computer software & applications program will find one at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. About 96% of students finish within six years. University Of Pennsylvania awarded about 58 computer software & applications degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $99,682. University Of Pennsylvania graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. More information about a degree in computer software & applications from University Of Pennsylvania

3

University Of Maryland College Park is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in computer software & applications, ranking #3. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. There were roughly 28 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $57,901. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete this degree. Get the full computer software & applications details for University Of Maryland College Park

4

University Of Southern California is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in computer software & applications, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 128 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at University Of Southern California in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $118,936. Typical student debt for the program is $23,500. See the full computer software & applications program report for University Of Southern California

5

Students looking for a strong computer software & applications program will find one at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus, which ranked #5. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. There were roughly 31 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus in the most recent data year. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,323. Get the full computer software & applications details for Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

6

University Of Dayton landed the #6 spot for computer software & applications this year. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. There were roughly 11 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at University Of Dayton in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from University Of Dayton earn around $56,077 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Dayton graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Get the full computer software & applications details for University Of Dayton

7

San Diego State University landed the #7 spot for computer software & applications this year. This very large public university is located in the city of San Diego. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 18 computer software & applications degrees were awarded at San Diego State University in the most recent year. Computer Software & Applications graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $16,417. See the full computer software & applications program report for San Diego State University

8

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #8 for computer software & applications this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 95 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent data year. Graduates of the computer software & applications program make about $115,689 in their early career. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Read more about the computer software & applications program at North Carolina State University At Raleigh

9
Wellesley College crest
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA

Wellesley College landed the #9 spot for computer software & applications this year. Wellesley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wellesley. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. There were roughly 25 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the computer software & applications program make about $48,902 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,075. Read more about the computer software & applications program at Wellesley College

10

George Mason University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best computer software & applications schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Fairfax. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 346 computer software & applications degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. Graduates of the computer software & applications program make about $126,908 in their early career. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. See the full computer software & applications program report for George Mason University

11

George Washington University came in at #11 for computer software & applications this year. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 123 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from George Washington University earn around $106,364 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. Get the full computer software & applications details for George Washington University

12

Arizona State University earned the #12 position for computer software & applications this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tempe. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Arizona State University awarded about 35 computer software & applications degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Arizona State University earn around $55,876 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete this degree. See the full computer software & applications program report for Arizona State University

13

Brigham Young University Provo placed #13 among the best computer software & applications schools. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Brigham Young University Provo graduates 81% of students within six years. Brigham Young University Provo awarded about 16 computer software & applications degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Brigham Young University Provo earn around $54,507 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,184. Get the full computer software & applications details for Brigham Young University Provo

14
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for computer software & applications this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 190 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $38,234. Purdue University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. More information about a degree in computer software & applications from Purdue University Main Campus

15

University Of Washington Bothell Campus landed the #15 spot for computer software & applications this year. Set in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 25 computer software & applications degrees were awarded at University Of Washington Bothell Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from University Of Washington Bothell Campus earn around $47,112 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,500. Read more about the computer software & applications program at University Of Washington Bothell Campus

16

University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #16 spot for computer software & applications this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Cruz. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. University Of California Santa Cruz awarded about 32 computer software & applications degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from University Of California Santa Cruz earn around $40,920 in the first couple years of their career. University Of California Santa Cruz graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. See the full computer software & applications program report for University Of California Santa Cruz

17

Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #17 spot for computer software & applications this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 215 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Rochester Institute Of Technology in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Rochester Institute Of Technology generally make around $69,052. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full computer software & applications details for Rochester Institute Of Technology

18

University Of Arizona landed the #18 spot for computer software & applications this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 52 computer software & applications degrees were awarded at University Of Arizona in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $44,645. University Of Arizona graduates carry a median of $22,715 in student loans. See the full computer software & applications program report for University Of Arizona

19

Illinois State University placed #19 among the best computer software & applications schools. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. About 126 computer software & applications degrees were awarded at Illinois State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $49,660. Typical student debt for the program is $21,896. More information about a degree in computer software & applications from Illinois State University

20

University Of California Irvine placed #20 among the best computer software & applications schools. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. There were roughly 46 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Irvine in the most recent data year. Graduates of the computer software & applications program make about $50,958 in their early career. University Of California Irvine graduates carry a median of $21,650 in student loans. See the full computer software & applications program report for University Of California Irvine

21

Madison Area Technical College earned the #21 position for computer software & applications this year. This large public university is located in the city of Madison. There were roughly 37 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Madison Area Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Madison Area Technical College earn around $65,191 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,640. See the full computer software & applications program report for Madison Area Technical College

22

Sacred Heart University came in at #22 for computer software & applications this year. Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fairfield. About 74% of students finish within six years. Sacred Heart University awarded about 37 computer software & applications degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Sacred Heart University earn around $62,864 in the first couple years of their career. Sacred Heart University graduates carry a median of $25,831 in student loans. More information about a degree in computer software & applications from Sacred Heart University

23

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #23 spot for computer software & applications this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. About 96% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Columbia University In The City Of New York earn around $86,770 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,258. Get the full computer software & applications details for Columbia University In The City Of New York

24
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University placed #24 among the best computer software & applications schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. About 68% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 217 computer software & applications students who graduated with this degree at Depaul University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Depaul University earn around $84,986 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,249 to complete this degree. Get the full computer software & applications details for Depaul University

25

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #25 for computer software & applications this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. About 102 computer software & applications degrees were awarded at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent year. Students who receive their computer software & applications degree from Texas A And M University College Station earn around $52,376 in the first couple years of their career. Texas A And M University College Station graduates carry a median of $20,937 in student loans. More information about a degree in computer software & applications from Texas A And M University College Station

Rest of the Top 50 Computer Software & Applications Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s computer software & applications ranking:

26
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
27
Clark College crest
Clark College
Vancouver, WA
28
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
29
30
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY
31
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
32
33
34
35
36
37
Montgomery College crest
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD
38
39
40
Neumont University crest
Neumont University
Salt Lake City, UT
41
42
43
Western Governors University crest
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE

Additional Computer Software & Applications Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for computer software & applications:

Rank School Location
#58 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA
#60 Lorain County Community College Elyria, OH
#71 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA

Honorable Mentions

A few more computer software & applications schools worth a look:

>

Computer Software & Applications by Region

View the Best Computer Software & Applications Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Computer Software & Applications is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

Major Annual Graduates
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design 4,278
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration 3,944
Computer Graphics 3,089
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other 1,715
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation 911

View All Computer Software & Applications Concentrations >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 728 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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