Which schools are best for software engineering?

I'm starting to think about applying to college and I know I want to go into software engineering. What are some schools known for their strong software engineering programs?

While looking into colleges for software engineering, there are certainly some that stand out due to their rigorous curriculum, faculty expertise, and opportunities for practical application and research in software engineering. Here are a few:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Known for its strength in technology and engineering, MIT offers a solid program in Computer Science that will provide you with a robust foundation for software engineering.

2. Stanford University: Stanford's Computer Science program, with its strong emphasis on software engineering, artificial intelligence, and systems, is globally recognized.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Caltech is a prestigious institution with a strong emphasis on STEM programs, including software engineering.

4. University of California, Berkeley (Cal): UC Berkeley's Computer Science and Software Engineering programs are part of the school's top-ranked College of Engineering.

5. University of Michigan: The Computer Science Engineering program here offers a solid understanding of software engineering with opportunities to specialize.

6. Carnegie Mellon University: CMU has one of the first—and still leading—programs in Software Engineering, offering a dedicated bachelor's degree in the field.

7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Their Computer Science program housed in the Grainger College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top in the nation and world.

Of course, 'best' is relative, and the right school for you will depend on many factors, including location, cost, class size, internships, co-op opportunities, and culture fit. Be sure to explore each school's curriculum, the faculty profiles, reach out to current students or alumni to get a deeper understanding of the program. Doing so will aid you in making an informed decision about which software engineering program to pursue.