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2023 Best Computer Software & Applications Schools

172 Colleges in the United States
14,336 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
$39,619 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in computer software and applications, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #84 in the country in terms of popularity. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

In 2023, College Factual analyzed 172 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Computer Software & Applications Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 14,336 degrees in computer software and applications to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Computer Software & Applications School

Best Computer Software & Applications Schools The computer software program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Computer Software & Applications rankings. We derive our Best Overall Computer Software & Applications School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Computer Software & Applications Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Computer Software
Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Software
Master's Degrees in Computer Software
Doctor's Degrees in Computer Software

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Computer Software & Applications Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Computer Software & Applications in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the computer software degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Computer Software

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
234 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
23.9% Growth in Graduates

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a good choice for students pursuing a degree in computer software and applications. Located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #25 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 234 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Computer Software & Applications degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor get an earnings boost of around $42,678 above the average income of computer software and applications majors.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In PA
74 Computer Software Degrees Awarded

Any student who is interested in computer software and applications needs to take a look at Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were about 74 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Carnegie Mellon University

3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In PA
52.6% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in computer software and applications needs to look into University of Pennsylvania. UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were approximately 19 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from University of Pennsylvania

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
136 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
22.1% Growth in Graduates

It's difficult to beat University of St Thomas Minnesota if you want to pursue a degree in computer software and applications. UST MN is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Saint Paul. This university ranks 3rd out of 55 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 136 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at UST MN in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications major at University of St Thomas Minnesota get $58,843 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from University of St Thomas Minnesota

5
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
43 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
$56,230 Median Starting Salary

Madison College is a large public college located in the large city of Madison. This college ranks 14th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 43 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Software & Applications degree recipients from Madison Area Technical College get an earnings boost of approximately $16,611 over the average income of computer software and applications majors.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Madison Area Technical College

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
119 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
16.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 119 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Software & Applications degree recipients from University of Southern California receive an earnings boost of about $32,466 over the average income of computer software and applications graduates.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from University of Southern California

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
106 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
2.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 106 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Those computer software and applications students who get their degree from George Washington University receive $62,428 more than the average computer software grad.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from George Washington University

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
250 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #47 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were about 250 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the computer software program earn about $35,435 for their early career.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Purdue University - Main Campus

9
Wellesley crest
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$70,490 Median Starting Salary
$11,100 Median Student Debt

Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Wellesley. A Best Colleges rank of #64 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Wellesley is a great college overall.

There were approximately 22 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year. Those computer software and applications students who get their degree from Wellesley College earn $30,871 more than the average computer software grad.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Wellesley College

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In GA
12.5% Growth in Graduates

Georgia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Georgia Tech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 24 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

11
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MA
99 Computer Software Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were about 99 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Boston University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
255 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
15.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Rochester, RIT is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population. This school ranks 16th out of 143 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 255 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at RIT in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications program at Rochester Institute of Technology earn $18,187 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Rochester Institute of Technology

13
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
187 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
$52,076 Median Starting Salary

NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 187 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications program at New York University get $12,457 above the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from New York University

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
232 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
10.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 65 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 232 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications major at George Mason University get $57,852 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from George Mason University

15
WGU crest
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
634 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
50.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, WGU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 14 schools for overall quality in the state of Utah.

There were roughly 634 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at WGU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications degree program at Western Governors University earn $53,657 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Western Governors University

16
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WV
46 Computer Software Degrees Awarded

American Military University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the town of Charles Town. This university ranks 1st out of 28 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 46 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from American Public University System

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
46.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #32 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 101 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Software & Applications degree recipients from University of Virginia - Main Campus earn a boost of approximately $46,731 above the average income of computer software and applications majors.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from University of Virginia - Main Campus

18
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
13.4% Growth in Graduates

DePaul is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. This university ranks 7th out of 87 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 127 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications major at DePaul University make $22,459 more than the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from DePaul University

19
BC crest
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In WA
76 Computer Software Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized city of Bellevue, BC is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 15th out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 76 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at BC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Bellevue College

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
70 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
12.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Irvine, UC Irvine is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #77 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means UC Irvine is a great university overall.

There were approximately 70 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at UC Irvine in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, computer software degree recipients generally make an average of $35,812 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from University of California - Irvine

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
39 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
$56,731 Median Starting Salary

Florida Poly is a small public university located in the rural area of Lakeland. This university ranks 30th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 39 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Florida Poly in the most recent data year. Computer Software & Applications degree recipients from Florida Polytechnic University earn a boost of approximately $17,112 above the typical income of computer software and applications majors.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Florida Polytechnic University

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MA
113 Computer Software Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 11th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 113 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Northeastern University

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In WA

Located in the large suburb of Kirkland, LWTech is a public school with a small student population. This school ranks 12th out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 27 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at LWTech in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Lake Washington Institute of Technology

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
118 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
$99,745 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 118 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Computer Software & Applications degree recipients from North Carolina State University earn a boost of about $60,126 above the typical earnings of computer software and applications majors.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from North Carolina State University

25
Academy of Art University crest
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
426 Computer Software Degrees Awarded
$41,833 Median Starting Salary

Academy of Art University is a moderately-sized private for-profit university located in the large city of San Francisco. This university ranks 22nd out of 170 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 426 computer software and applications students who graduated with this degree at Academy of Art University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer software and applications major at Academy of Art University earn $2,213 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer software and applications from Academy of Art University

Rest of the Top Best Computer Software & Applications Schools

25
Academy of Art University crest
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Computer Software & Applications students that almost earned our Best Computer Software & Applications Schools award.

Rank College Location
26 School of Visual Arts New York, NY
27 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA
28 Valencia College Orlando, FL
29 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
30 Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MA
31 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
32 Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL
33 Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX
34 Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, ID

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 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.

Computer Software Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Web & Multimedia Design 5,300
Data Modeling/Warehousing & Database Administration 3,756
Computer Graphics 2,988
Other Computer Software & Media Applications 1,438
Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation 854

View All Computer Software Concentrations >

Majors Similar to Computer Software

Related Major Annual Graduates
Computer Information Systems 88,434
Computer Science 59,565
Information Technology 40,555
Information Science 18,325
Computer Systems Networking 14,700
Computer Programming 11,939
Computer Systems Analysis 2,338
Data Processing 1,955
Other Computer & Information Sciences 1,755
Data Entry 552

View All Computer Software Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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