2026 Best Value Software Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Lancaster, PA

Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology tops our 2026 list of the best value software engineering schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the city of Lancaster, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Software Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,915 in student loans. Early-career software engineering graduates make about $48,257. Set against $9,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

2

Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned it the #2 place for software engineering. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College
Erie, PA

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value software engineering schools. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Erie. In-state tuition and fees average $15,972, while out-of-state students pay about $26,958. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College admits about 97% of applicants.

4

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, PA

A rank of #4 makes Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for software engineering. Set in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Software Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, software engineering degree recipients from Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $80,574. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Scranton
Scranton, PA

Students looking for strong value in software engineering will find it at University Of Scranton, which ranked #5. University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Scranton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $26,500. Soon after graduation, software engineering degree recipients from University Of Scranton generally make around $56,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

6

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University placed #6 among the best values for software engineering. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for software engineering graduates is $23,529. Software Engineering graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

7

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #7 for value in software engineering this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

8

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University earned the #8 position for value in software engineering this year. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Software Engineering graduates carry a median of $28,166 in student loans. Software Engineering graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $101,510 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

9

Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University earned the #9 position for value in software engineering this year. Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Villanova. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the software engineering program here. Software Engineering graduates of Villanova University earn a median of $108,248 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.