Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Ohio 2025
Case Western Reserve University
Premier private engineering program with 95% job placement rate and strong connections to Cleveland tech sector and national employers
The Ohio State University
Flagship public program with extensive industry partnerships and 12:1 student-faculty ratio in the College of Engineering
University of Cincinnati
Renowned co-op program with guaranteed paid internships and 98% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- 1.Ohio has 45+ accredited software engineering and related programs across public universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Case Western Reserve University ranks #1 in Ohio with 82% graduation rate and strong Cleveland tech industry connections
- 3.Ohio State offers top public education at $11,936 in-state tuition with extensive research opportunities and industry partnerships
- 4.Ohio software developers earn median $98,420 annually, below national average but with significantly lower cost of living (BLS Ohio 2024)
- 5.Major employers include Progressive Insurance, Nationwide, Fifth Third Bank, and growing fintech sector in Columbus and Cincinnati
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Ohio
Ohio provides a diverse range of software engineering programs, from world-class private universities to affordable public institutions with strong industry connections. The state's tech sector has grown significantly, with Columbus emerging as a major fintech hub and Cleveland developing a robust healthcare technology ecosystem.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering affordability should review our most affordable software engineering programs guide. Career-focused students should explore our software engineer salary guide for Ohio-specific compensation data.
Ohio's strategic location in the Midwest, combined with lower living costs and growing tech opportunities, makes it an attractive choice for software engineering students seeking quality education without the premium price tag of coastal alternatives.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Ohio May 2024, Ohio Board of Regents
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility indicators
Ohio-specific salaries and employment rates
Accreditation, curriculum depth, and industry partnerships
Ohio Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private | $62,310 | 82% | 11:1 | 93.8 |
| 2 | The Ohio State University | Columbus | Public | $11,936 | 84% | 12:1 | 91.5 |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public | $12,784 | 69% | 18:1 | 89.2 |
| 4 | University of Dayton | Dayton | Private | $47,940 | 81% | 14:1 | 87.6 |
| 5 | Miami University | Oxford | Public | $16,678 | 82% | 16:1 | 86.3 |
| 6 | Ohio University | Athens | Public | $13,352 | 65% | 17:1 | 84.7 |
| 7 | Wright State University | Dayton | Public | $10,098 | 54% | 19:1 | 83.1 |
| 8 | Kent State University | Kent | Public | $11,756 | 67% | 21:1 | 81.8 |
| 9 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown | Public | $9,432 | 52% | 15:1 | 80.4 |
| 10 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public | $11,556 | 51% | 17:1 | 79.2 |
| 11 | University of Akron | Akron | Public | $11,658 | 52% | 19:1 | 78.5 |
| 12 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Public | $11,057 | 61% | 18:1 | 77.9 |
| 13 | Xavier University | Cincinnati | Private | $45,950 | 79% | 11:1 | 77.3 |
| 14 | Ohio Northern University | Ada | Private | $35,720 | 68% | 12:1 | 76.8 |
| 15 | John Carroll University | University Heights | Private | $47,020 | 75% | 13:1 | 76.1 |
| 16 | Cedarville University | Cedarville | Private | $35,250 | 72% | 14:1 | 75.6 |
| 17 | University of Toledo | Toledo | Public | $10,954 | 56% | 20:1 | 74.9 |
| 18 | Marietta College | Marietta | Private | $40,590 | 59% | 9:1 | 74.2 |
| 19 | Capital University | Columbus | Private | $39,250 | 63% | 13:1 | 73.7 |
| 20 | Denison University | Granville | Private | $58,090 | 84% | 9:1 | 73.1 |
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $105,000+ for new graduates
- • 80% of students complete internships at Fortune 500 companies
- • Access to $15M+ in annual research funding
Program Strengths
- 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Extensive research opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software systems
- Strong alumni network in major tech companies and Cleveland healthcare tech sector
- Interdisciplinary opportunities with renowned medical and business programs
Why Ranked #1
Case Western leads Ohio in software engineering education through its rigorous ABET-accredited program, exceptional student-faculty ratio of 11:1, and strong industry partnerships throughout the Cleveland tech corridor. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application.
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 84% graduation rate, highest among Ohio public universities
- • 12:1 student-faculty ratio in engineering courses
- • $2B+ annual research funding across all programs
Program Strengths
- Largest engineering program in Ohio with extensive course offerings
- Strong industry partnerships with Columbus fintech and healthcare sectors
- Comprehensive internship and co-op programs
- Access to entrepreneurship resources and startup incubators
Why Ranked #2
Ohio State's software engineering program benefits from the university's massive scale and resources, offering students access to cutting-edge research facilities, extensive industry partnerships, and a large alumni network across the tech industry. The program balances academic rigor with practical experience.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • Students earn average $45,000+ during co-op rotations
- • 95% of graduates receive job offers before graduation
- • Direct pipelines to major Cincinnati and national employers
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program with 98% job placement rate
- Strong partnerships with P&G, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank
- Emphasis on software project management and team collaboration
- Growing research opportunities in fintech and healthcare informatics
Why Ranked #3
UC's software engineering program stands out for its mandatory cooperative education (co-op) program, which guarantees students real-world work experience and consistently leads to high employment rates. The program has strong ties to Cincinnati's growing tech and financial services sectors.
Ohio University Systems and Software Engineering Programs
Ohio's public university system provides numerous affordable pathways to software engineering education. The Ohio State University system, anchored by the flagship Columbus campus, offers the most comprehensive programs with extensive research opportunities and industry connections.
The state's regional universities, including Miami University, Ohio University, and the University of Akron, provide quality education at lower costs while maintaining strong regional industry ties. These programs often focus on practical skills and local job market needs.
- Ohio State University System: Flagship research programs with national reach
- Regional Universities: Cost-effective options with strong local industry partnerships
- Private Institutions: Case Western and University of Dayton lead in research and outcomes
- Community College Pathways: 2+2 transfer programs available statewide
Ohio's private institutions, particularly Case Western Reserve University, offer premium education with smaller class sizes and extensive research opportunities. These programs typically have higher costs but provide exceptional outcomes and industry connections.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, systems software, and mobile applications for Ohio's growing tech sector
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage deployment pipelines and infrastructure for companies like Progressive and Nationwide
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze data for financial services and healthcare companies concentrated in Ohio's major cities
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect systems and data for Ohio's major corporations and government agencies
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Cost Comparison: In-State vs Out-of-State vs Private
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $11,800 | $28,400 | $45,200 |
| Room & Board | $12,500 | $12,500 | $14,200 |
| Total Annual Cost | $24,300 | $40,900 | $59,400 |
| Average Debt at Graduation | $28,500 | $35,200 | $42,800 |
| Class Size | Large (30-100) | Large (30-100) | Medium (15-30) |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Good | Excellent |
Which Should You Choose?
- You want quality education at affordable in-state tuition rates
- You prefer lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- You're interested in fintech, healthcare tech, or insurance technology careers
- You value strong co-op and internship opportunities with regional employers
- You want access to major cities (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) without premium costs
- You prioritize the highest possible starting salaries over cost of living
- You specifically want to work for major tech companies (FAANG) immediately after graduation
- You prefer warmer climates or coastal locations
- You want access to the largest possible tech ecosystems and networking opportunities
- You need extensive venture capital and startup ecosystem access
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Software Engineering Programs
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing enrollment, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional data for all accredited colleges and universities
State-specific salary and employment data for software developers and related occupations
State higher education data including transfer agreements, program accreditation, and workforce outcomes
Graduate salary data and employment outcome statistics for engineering programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.