Deciding between the best software engineering colleges

I'm a junior thinking about majoring in software engineering. Can anyone recommend some top colleges for software engineering programs in the US? Which schools should I definitely consider applying to?

Certainly, several schools in the U.S. are renowned for their excellent software engineering programs.

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Stanford University, and University of California - Berkeley (UC Berkeley) are often ranked at the top for their Computer Science programs, which often extend into software engineering courses and research. They're known for their rigorous coursework and strong connections to industry, including tech industry giants in Silicon Valley.

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh also has an exclusive Software Engineering major, which is somewhat unusual as many schools only offer this discipline as a concentration or track within the broader Computer Science major.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a unique opportunity through its "Learn by Doing" model that combines technical theory with hands-on experience; they also have an undergraduate major specifically in Software Engineering.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has a strong Computer Science program, which includes a concentration in Software Engineering, and they have close ties with the Research Park at the university, providing ample internship opportunities.

Additionally, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and University of Texas - Austin should also be on your list. Both are well-regarded for their engineering and computer science programs.

Each of these universities provides an exceptional education but they each offer unique experiences depending on what you're looking for in terms of campus culture, location, and extracurricular opportunities. In each institution, however, you should expect a strong foundation in software design and programming as these are the cornerstones of a robust software engineering education.

Remember to also consider other aspects such as affordability, size of the school, faculty-student ratio, internship and co-op programs, and research opportunities as you make your decision. Comparing these factors will ensure you give equal weight to both your academic and personal needs in your college search.