The education needed to be a software architect is normally a bachelor's degree. Software architects usually study computer science, electrical engineering or computer engineering. 66% of software architects hold a bachelor's degree and 25% hold a master's degree. We found these by analyzing 2,911 software architect resumes to investigate the topic of software architect education more precisely.

The most common colleges for students to pursue their goal of becoming a software architect are University of Texas at Austin and Brigham Young University. We also broke down what colleges provide the best overall education for a software architect. Students have a great path to earning their software architect qualifications at the following schools:

  1. Harvard University
  2. Duke University
  3. California State University - Long Beach

If you're interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for software architects - California State University - Long Beach is an excellent option for you. If your SAT or ACT score aren't as high as you'd like, you can look at Capitol Technology University, as the admission requirements aren't too selective. On the other end of that spectrum are the Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University and Harvard University.

For those who would rather stay in your pajamas during the day, we prepared some online courses that can help in software architect education paths.

We prepared a list of a software architect certifications that you should consider. The necessary certifications that software architects must have to succeed are Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC).

Software Architect JOBS

What Education is Needed to Become a Software Architect?

What Degree Should I Get to Become a Software Architect?

The most common degree for software architects is bachelor's degree 66% of software architects earn that degree. A close second is master's degree with 25% and rounding it off is associate degree with 4%.

  • Bachelors, 66%
  • Masters, 25%
  • Associate, 4%
  • Doctorate, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 3%

What Should I Major in to Become a Software Architect?

Most software architects, 43% to be exact, major in computer science. Some other common majors for a software architect include electrical engineering and computer engineering majors.

Most Common Colleges For Software Architects

Here are the most common colleges for a software architect career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in University of Texas at Austin, Brigham Young University, and Pennsylvania State University .

Software Architect Common CollegePercentages
University of Texas at Austin6.83%
Brigham Young University6.43%
Pennsylvania State University6.02%
University of Maryland - College Park6.02%
Colorado Technical University6.02%

10 Best Universities For Software Architects

In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for software architects. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs. non-working students 10 years after admission, average cost of attendance and median debt for graduates.

1. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-State Tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

Website

www.harvard.edu

Address

Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,300 per year

Net Price: $15,561 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 4.73%
SAT Average - 1520
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Chemistry
Finance
Computer Engineering

2. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

Website

WWW.DUKE.EDU

Address

103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $93,200 per year

Net Price: $23,442 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.91%
SAT Average - 1516
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics

4. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

Website

www.upenn.edu

Address

1 College Hall, Room 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,200 per year

Net Price: $25,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.41%
SAT Average - 1492
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Information Systems
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering

5. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

In-State Tuition

$12,424

Enrollment

15,201

Website

www.gatech.edu

Address

225 North Avenue, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30332

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $66,100 per year

Net Price: $14,927 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 21.53%
SAT Average - 1465
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Mechanical Engineering
Business
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Engineering

6. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-State Tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

Website

https://www.purdue.edu

Address

Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,000 per year

Net Price: $12,527 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 57.98%
SAT Average - 1309
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Information Systems

7. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-State Tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
Electrical Engineering

8. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

Website

www.columbia.edu

Address

535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $77,900 per year

Net Price: $22,637 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 5.91%
SAT Average - 1512
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Information Systems
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,353

Enrollment

24,841

Website

www.cpp.edu

Address

3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $42,900 per year

Net Price: $12,842 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 55.15%
SAT Average - 1143
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics

10. University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$13,226

Enrollment

31,568

Website

www.ucla.edu/

Address

405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,000 per year

Net Price: $14,171 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 14.04%
SAT Average - 1423
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mathematics
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

20 Best Online Courses for Software Architects

Advertising Disclosure
advertising-disclosure

1. Full Stack Web Development with C# OOP, MS SQL & ASP.NET MVC

udemy
4.2
(564)

Web development with C#, ASP.NET MVC, MS SQL, C# OOP. All gathered for full stack web development in one course!...

See More on Udemy

2. ASP NET Core 3 (ASP.NET 5),MVC,C#,Angular & EF Crash Course

udemy
4
(2,052)

Learn How To Build Cross Platform Web Apps in ASP.NET Core Utilizing MVC, C#, Web Api, Angular & Entity Framework Core...

See More on Udemy

3. Building an Enterprise Application with ASP.NET Core MVC

udemy
4.2
(395)

Full-Stack MVC Web Application with ASP.NET Core 3.0, ASP.NET Core 2.2 & Entity Framework Core...

See More on Udemy

4. Ultimate ASP.NET Core Web API Development Guide

udemy
4.6
(822)

Learn how to create a maintainable Web API using ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework and Enterprise Level Design Patterns...

See More on Udemy

5. Rest Api's in Asp.Net and C#

udemy
4
(257)

Build REST Api's With Asp.Net, Entity Framework and C#...

See More on Udemy

6. Complete ASP NET MVC Web Development - Newbie to Ninja!

udemy
4.3
(2,682)

Quickly Learn Web Development with ASP NET MVC and C#. From absolute basics to ninja! Learn C# and MVC like a Pro...

See More on Udemy

7. Comprehensive ASP.net MVC

udemy
4.5
(673)

From zero knowledge of ASP.NET to deploying a complete project to production...

See More on Udemy

8. Single-Page Application with ASP.NET & jQuery Hands-On

udemy
4.6
(679)

Learn how to build a single-page application from start to finish with ASP.NET Web API 2, Entity Framework and jQuery...

See More on Udemy

9. Rest Api's in Asp.Net Core and C# 2022 Edition

udemy
4.4
(2,386)

Build REST Api's with Asp.Net Core, Entity Framework Core and C#...

See More on Udemy

10. Learn ASP.NET MVC and Entity Framework (Database First)

udemy
4.4
(703)

Learn the fundamentals of ASP.NET MVC and Entity Framework by building a small but practical school management system...

See More on Udemy

11. Build ASP.NET Core Web API - Scratch To Finish ( .NET 6)

udemy
4.6
(614)

.NET6 APIs With C# and ASP.NET Core - Build .NET 6 Web API Using Entity Framework, SQL Server and JWT Authentication...

See More on Udemy

12. Complete ASP.NET MVC course in C#

udemy
4.1
(521)

Learn basics of MVC and how to build fast and secure web applications with ASP.NET MVC 5...

See More on Udemy

13. Live Project On ASP.Net Core 2.0 MVC(Formerly ASP.Net MVC 5)

udemy
4.1
(749)

EF Core 2.0 Code First With Repository & ASP.Net Core 2.0 MVC with MVVM, DI Patterns & Identity Server For Security...

See More on Udemy

14. The Complete Guide To Build Rest Api's with Asp.Net and C#

udemy
4.4
(1,819)

Build REST Api's With Asp.Net, Entity Framework and C#...

See More on Udemy

15. Mastering ASP.NET MVC 5 From Scratch Using C#

udemy
4.6
(1,013)

Learn How to build Web Application using ASP.NET MVC 5 Step By Step...

See More on Udemy

16. Software Architecture Case Studies

udemy
4.5
(2,168)

Become an even better Software Architect by learning from real-world architecture case studies...

See More on Udemy

17. Learn ASP NET with Bootstrap, Entity Framework, JavaScript,C#

udemy
4
(399)

Learn to Build Production based Web Applications with Microsofts ASP.NET, C#, Entity Framework, JavaScript & Bootstrap...

See More on Udemy

18. ASP.NET Core 6.0 Course - MVC - Blazor - Razor - EF Core

udemy
4.5
(927)

Become a great ASP.NET Developer and be ready for any ASP.NET scenario using Blazor, Razor, MVC, Entity Framework & more...

See More on Udemy

19. Complete Guide to ASP.NET Core RESTful API with Blazor WASM

udemy
4.3
(385)

Build RESTful Web API in ASP.NET CORE Consumed with Blazor WebAssembly...

See More on Udemy

20. ASP.NET CORE WEB API The Complete Guide

udemy
4.5
(1,027)

Learn to build fast and secure web applications with .NET Core Web API - The highest rated course with 25,000+ students!...

See More on Udemy

Best Software Architect Certifications in 2023

1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.

A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Certified Scrum Master
Certifying Organization
Scrum Alliance
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Certified Scrum Master Exam Prep: Scrum Practice Tests
udemy
4.3
(73)

2. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)

This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.

This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) can actively design and develop leading-edge business solutions with the latest development tools, technologies, platforms, and architectures.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) can actively design and develop leading-edge business solutions with the latest development tools, technologies, platforms, and architectures.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge

4. Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)

Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs) use Microsoft technologies to develop and administer applications and deploy and implement web back-end data solutions. Join the community of developers who are leveraging the power of .Net.

Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs) use Microsoft technologies to develop and administer applications and deploy and implement web back-end data solutions. Join the community of developers who are leveraging the power of .Net.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge

Entry Level Jobs For Becoming A Software Architect

Top 10 Affordable Universities For Software Architects

If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for software architects.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Cost of Attendance

18,306

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,309

Cost of Attendance

16,714

Website

www.csub.edu

Address

9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,100 per year

Net Price: $5,687 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 23.02%
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mathematics
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,620

Cost of Attendance

18,136

Website

www.byu.edu

Address

Main Campus, Provo, UT 84602

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $46,600 per year

Net Price: $13,181 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 64.47%
SAT Average - 1324
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Information Systems
Electrical Engineering

4. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-State Tuition

$4,094

Cost of Attendance

14,302

Website

https://www.uprm.edu

Address

Call Box 9000, Mayaguez, PR 00681

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,700 per year

Net Price: $8,584 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 63.51%

5. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,886

Cost of Attendance

17,645

Website

www.fullerton.edu

Address

800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831-3599

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,500 per year

Net Price: $8,234 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 43.41%
SAT Average - 1124
ACT Average - 22
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering

6. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,381

Cost of Attendance

21,034

Website

www.ufl.edu/

Address

300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,700 per year

Net Price: $8,057 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 38.75%
SAT Average - 1362
ACT Average - 30
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Information Systems
Finance
Electrical Engineering

7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,353

Cost of Attendance

21,302

Website

www.cpp.edu

Address

3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $42,900 per year

Net Price: $12,842 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 55.15%
SAT Average - 1143
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics

8. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,140

Cost of Attendance

14,430

Website

www.ccny.cuny.edu

Address

160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031-9101

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $36,800 per year

Net Price: $3,744 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 48.27%
SAT Average - 1155
Most Popular Majors
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Business
Mathematics

9. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,410

Cost of Attendance

20,456

Website

www.usf.edu

Address

4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620-9951

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,400 per year

Net Price: $9,838 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 42.63%
SAT Average - 1265
ACT Average - 28
Most Popular Majors
Finance
Information Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Business
Electrical Engineering

10. California State University - Fresno

Fresno, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,587

Cost of Attendance

16,915

Website

www.fresnostate.edu/

Address

5241 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93740-8027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $37,200 per year

Net Price: $6,452 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 57.53%
SAT Average - 1019
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Chemistry
Engineering

Top 10 Hardest Universities To Get Into For Software Architects

Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,508

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
Electrical Engineering

2. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions Rate

10%

SAT Average

1,514

Website

www.vanderbilt.edu

Address

2101 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37240

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $61,900 per year

Net Price: $20,253 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 9.61%
SAT Average - 1514
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Computer Science
Mathematics
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Finance

3. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

5%

SAT Average

1,520

Website

www.harvard.edu

Address

Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,300 per year

Net Price: $15,561 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 4.73%
SAT Average - 1520
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Chemistry
Finance
Computer Engineering

4. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions Rate

9%

SAT Average

1,516

Website

WWW.DUKE.EDU

Address

103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $93,200 per year

Net Price: $23,442 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.91%
SAT Average - 1516
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

17%

SAT Average

1,507

Website

www.cmu.edu/

Address

5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $84,000 per year

Net Price: $32,674 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 17.12%
SAT Average - 1507
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Electrical Engineering
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Engineering

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,492

Website

www.upenn.edu

Address

1 College Hall, Room 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,200 per year

Net Price: $25,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.41%
SAT Average - 1492
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Information Systems
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering

7. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions Rate

15%

SAT Average

1,506

Website

www.wustl.edu

Address

One Brookings Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63130

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $63,400 per year

Net Price: $27,427 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 15.03%
SAT Average - 1506
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics
Electrical Engineering

8. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

6%

SAT Average

1,512

Website

www.columbia.edu

Address

535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $77,900 per year

Net Price: $22,637 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 5.91%
SAT Average - 1512
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Information Systems
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

9. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

15%

SAT Average

1,461

Website

https://www.tufts.edu

Address

Ballou Hall, 2nd Floor, Medford, MA 02155

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $56,600 per year

Net Price: $31,485 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 14.62%
SAT Average - 1461
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Chemistry
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics

10. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

19%

SAT Average

1,466

Website

www.northeastern.edu

Address

360 Huntington Ave, 110CH, Boston, MA 02115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $57,800 per year

Net Price: $31,855 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 19.34%
SAT Average - 1466
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Information Systems
Engineering
Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Top 10 Easier To Apply Universities For Software Architects

Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.

1. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions Rate

69%

SAT Average

1,070

Website

www.captechu.edu

Address

11301 Springfield Rd, Laurel, MD 20708

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $53,000 per year

Net Price: $22,000 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 68.90%
SAT Average - 1070
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Computer Information Systems
Electrical Engineering
Information Systems
Business
Computer Engineering

2. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions Rate

96%

SAT Average

1,139

Website

https://www.oit.edu

Address

3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601-8801

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,900 per year

Net Price: $17,083 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 95.85%
SAT Average - 1139
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Information Systems
Engineering
Business

3. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

72%

SAT Average

1,054

Website

www.sfsu.edu

Address

1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $42,100 per year

Net Price: $15,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 71.76%
SAT Average - 1054
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics
Engineering

4. Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN • Private

Admissions Rate

86%

SAT Average

1,086

Website

www.stcloudstate.edu

Address

720 Fourth Ave. South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,000 per year

Net Price: $14,449 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 86.20%
SAT Average - 1086
ACT Average - 21
Most Popular Majors
Computer Information Systems
Business
Finance
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering

5. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions Rate

81%

SAT Average

1,117

Website

www.linfield.edu

Address

900 SE Baker, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,100 per year

Net Price: $27,369 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 81.04%
SAT Average - 1117
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Finance
Mathematics
Chemistry
Computer Science

6. The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX • Private

Admissions Rate

100%

SAT Average

1,035

Website

www.utep.edu

Address

500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968-0691

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $35,300 per year

Net Price: $9,032 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 99.99%
SAT Average - 1035
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Information Systems
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics

7. Portland State University

Portland, OR • Private

Admissions Rate

90%

SAT Average

1,111

Website

www.pdx.edu

Address

724 SW Harrison, Portland, OR 97201

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,400 per year

Net Price: $13,856 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 90.20%
SAT Average - 1111
ACT Average - 22
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Physics

8. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions Rate

88%

SAT Average

1,111

Website

www.csuohio.edu/

Address

2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $37,200 per year

Net Price: $15,124 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 88.34%
SAT Average - 1111
ACT Average - 22
Most Popular Majors
Business
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Finance
Information Systems

9. Suffolk University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

85%

SAT Average

1,131

Website

https://www.suffolk.edu

Address

73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $43,700 per year

Net Price: $30,469 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 85.33%
SAT Average - 1131
ACT Average - 24
Most Popular Majors
Business
Finance
Computer Science
Engineering
Mathematics

10. Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • Private

Admissions Rate

97%

SAT Average

1,080

Website

www.pfw.edu

Address

2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $33,100 per year

Net Price: $11,404 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 96.61%
SAT Average - 1080
ACT Average - 22
Most Popular Majors
Business
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Mathematics

Average Software Architect Salary by Education Level

Software architects with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $133,970 annually. With a Masters degree, software architects earn a median annual income of $122,859.

Software Architect Education LevelSoftware Architect Salary
Master's Degree$122,859
Bachelor's Degree$111,964
Doctorate Degree$133,970

Software Architect Internship Jobs

Software Architect Jobs