The cheapest online software engineering master’s degrees listed below provide crucial knowledge and experience relating to the entire software development lifecycle. These degrees show you how to solve a variety of software-related problems. Coursework will prepare you to determine software requirements, design interfaces, write algorithms, and test software programs.
This is a unique form of engineering that applies design and development principles while applying this knowledge to a software application. If you have a background in technology, then a software engineering program may be perfect for your future. In this database, you’ll find 21 degrees, all from accredited schools that provide an online master’s software engineering. The degrees come in a range of costs to fit any budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$31,500
Least Expensive In-State: East Carolina University ~$9,287
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Kennesaw State University ~$11,710
Think a master’s in software engineering would be right for you? Use this database to choose the ideal program for your budget and schedule needs.
10 Cheapest Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | East Carolina University | (NC) | $9,287.00 $31,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
3 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $14,129.00 $26,009.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | North Dakota State University | (ND) | $15,848.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Houston - Clear Lake | (TX) | $16,493.00 $32,513.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Washington State University | (WA) | $19,572.00 | All Students |
7 | Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $20,968.00 $30,628.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | West Virginia University | (WV) | $21,450.00 | All Students |
9 | University of Arizona | (AZ) | $29,850.00 | All Students |
10 | Mercer University | (GA) | $30,570.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $34,070.00 $56,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
St. Mary's University | (TX) | $34,575.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $35,496.00 | All Students | |
 Brandeis University | (MA) | $36,600.00 $31,110.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $36,612.00 | All Students | |
Pace University | (NY) | $41,640.00 | All Students | |
University of Maryland-College Park | (MD) | $41,820.00 | All Students | |
Southern Methodist University | (TX) | $43,500.00 $23,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
DePaul University | (IL) | $44,064.00 | All Students | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $59,940.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $63,070.00 $47,365.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online master’s in software engineering programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online master’s software engineering.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers a software engineering master’s degree online. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the master in software engineering online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Software Engineering Master’s Programs?
Thinking about an online master’s software engineering? Here are some of the top reasons to choose these advanced degrees:
- Propel your career: With a master’s degree in software engineering, you are ready for leadership and research positions with some of the most cutting-edge tech companies.
- Excellent incomes for software professionals: Many careers in the technology sector have excellent salaries. Software developers, for instance, have a median salary of $127,260, while computer and information systems managers have a median annual income of $164,070.
- A stable career: Technology is already growing, and the need will only increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects all computer occupations to grow by 14% between 2022 and 2032, with some occupations growing by as much as 32%. (See the section titled “Software Engineering: Salary and Career Information” below.)
- Lead into the future: With a master’s degree in software engineering, you can create advanced systems that will define the future.
Program Cost
These programs can come with affordable prices, but they can also be expensive. With 21 degrees in this database, there is a range of prices, with about $53,000 separating the most expensive and the cheapest online software engineering master’s degrees. With such a vast difference, research is essential.
The average price in this database is $31,500. Most master’s degrees are completed within two years, so a typical student can expect somewhere around $15,750 per year. This database includes several degrees priced below the average of $31,500. Ten are below the average cost, while six have prices below $20,000 for in-state students.
The most affordable software engineering master’s online comes from East Carolina University, which allows North Carolina residents to complete their master’s degree for an estimated cost of $9,287.
The most expensive comes from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Its Master of Science in Software Engineering has an estimated cost of $63,070. It is roughly $31,000 more expensive than the average and over $53,000 more expensive than the cheapest online software engineering master’s degree.
Finding an affordable program can be intimidating. However, this database offers reliable information, making it a valuable resource as you search for the right master’s degree program for your needs.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Software Engineering Master’s Degrees?
Many online MS software engineering programs offer low prices for a high-quality education. Students interested in the cheapest online software engineering master’s (without sacrificing academic excellence, of course) should consider one of these three low-cost programs:
#1. East Carolina University
Degree: Master of Science in Software Engineering
Cost: $9,827 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Students in North Carolina can complete their master of science in software engineering through East Carolina University (ECU) and enjoy an estimated cost below $10,000. This is the only program in our database that is available for less than $10,000. Out-of-state students, however, will pay over $31,000 for the degree.
Whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, you’ll earn a future-focused degree that helps train tomorrow’s leaders in software engineering. Through a variety of technology and software courses, graduates are ready to push the boundaries of engineering and software technology.
East Carolina has a top-quality online program that gives students 24-hour access to learning materials. Online services include the learning management system and text-based discussions with instructors.
#2. Kennesaw State University
Degree: Master of Science in Software Engineering
Cost: $11,710 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
If you don’t live in North Carolina but need a low-cost education, Kennesaw State University in Georgia is an excellent choice. This program offers an estimated cost below $12,000, and this price is available to all students, regardless of their location.
This master in software engineering online degree looks at a variety of software programs, making students more proficient in these essential systems. However, students also develop broad-based skills that include database foundation and web development.
Low tuition for all learners has made Kennesaw State one of the most successful online schools in the country. But it’s not just affordability; KSU also offers an outstanding education. Students have access to devoted faculty and staff who can provide guidance and resources as you complete one of the best online master’s in software engineering programs.
#3. California State University-Fullerton
Degree: Master of Science in Software Engineering
Cost: $14,129 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Students in California can complete their software engineering master’s degree online for less than $15,000 when they enroll at California State University-Fullerton. This online degree is one of the most affordable programs in this database, and even the out-of-state tuition ($26,009) is below the national average.
This degree, which is available 100% online with asynchronous courses, gives students the chance to learn a wide-ranging curriculum in software engineering. Topics include software processes, assessments, and requirements. Even theoretical issues, such as ethics and leadership in the software industry, are addressed in this far-ranging degree.
Type of Online Software Engineering Master’s Degrees
Although they all orbit around software engineering, these programs come in a few different forms. For aspiring students, the biggest choice is between a master of science in software engineering or a master of software engineering. They may seem perfectly synonymous, but there are subtle differences.
A master of science is one of the main types of graduate degrees. These programs, which are available in a myriad of topics, cover the scientific development, methods, and research of a subject. They are often used for academic development, but they also build skills that apply directly to the job market.
A master of software engineering is more focused on developing skills that apply directly to a career, usually a private-sector occupation. There is a greater emphasis on the development of technical skills, with less emphasis (generally speaking) on scientific research.
Accreditation for Software Engineering Programs
All the programs in this database come from accredited institutions. Accreditation, which is the act of reviewing and approving a school or program, is an integral part of the academic system. It helps ensure a quality education and gives greater weight and authority to various types of degrees.
The most common type of accreditation is institutional. This covers an entire school. Regional bodies provide this type of approval, resulting in a school being “regionally accredited”. Groups, like the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the WASC Senior College and University Commission among others, provide regional accreditation.
Software Engineering Master’s: Program Admission Requirements
A master’s degree is one of the highest levels of education. As such, these programs have high admission standards. Students applying to these programs must prepare for an extensive admissions process that includes numerous documents.
The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree. But it must be an appropriate degree. For these online master’s in software engineering programs, a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or software development is ideal. Similar degrees, such as in mathematics, computer networking, information technology, or general engineering may be applicable. If there is any doubt, it’s best to consult the admissions office to see if your bachelor’s will apply to the school’s software engineering program.
In addition to college transcripts, you’ll also need a variety of documents. Most programs require multiple letters of recommendation written by previous teachers or bosses. You’ll also need a statement of purpose, which describes your motivation for enrolling in a master’s degree in software engineering.
The process can be extensive, but with preparation and diligence, you are likely to find a program that accepts your application.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Licensing is not a requirement for software engineers or other software-based professions. However, it’s not uncommon for employers to request or mandate certification from their software experts. For instance, a computer network architect may need certification in the specific programs they use. These certifications are offered directly from vendors or from providers who are well-versed in the software.
Many of the top careers in software engineering require professional experience. Computer and information system managers, who earn some of the biggest salaries in technology, need at least five years of experience. Network architects need several years of experience as well. They typically work as database administrators and systems analysts before advancing to this position.
Software Engineering: Salary and Career Information
Here is some essential career information for occupations related to software engineering:
Career | Expected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Manager | 15% | $164,070 |
| Software Developer | 25% | $127,260 |
| Computer Network Architect | 4% | $126,900 |
| Database Administrator | 8% | $112,120 |
| Information Security Analyst | 32% | $112,000 |
| All Computer Occupations | 14% | $100,530 |
| Computer Programmer | -11% | $97,800 |
| Overall Job Market | 3% | $46,310 |
Software developers, computer experts, and IT professionals of all types enjoy some of the strongest salaries in the entire job market. The median salary for software developers is $127,260, which means half of all developers earn even more. The top 10% in this occupation earn over $198,100. With a master’s degree in software engineering, you are more likely to approach these high earnings.
The job market is stable as well. According to the BLS, computer careers will grow by 14% between 2022 and 2032. During the same period, all occupations will grow by 3%. The growth for computer careers, therefore, is nearly five times the total job growth.
Growth will be spread over various occupations. For instance, the demand for computer programmers will actually decline by 11%, a result of continued automation that helps computers be more efficient in their own tasks. At the same time, information security analysts will see a 32% growth, an increase that is more than ten times the national job growth rate.
Many states have large numbers of software developers. While the skills are technical, specific, and somewhat narrow, people with these skills are in demand by countless organizations that are willing to pay excellent salaries.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Software Engineering Master’s Program?
Software engineering is a lucrative and exciting career, but you need the right education. To select the best online master’s in software engineering for your needs, research pricing, delivery structure, and other factors to make the best choice.
This database provides helpful information on pricing and delivery format. All the programs listed above are from accredited institutions, so you’ll know you’re getting a high-quality degree from a world-class institution. These programs are also at least 80% online; most are 100% online. However, you need to make sure the delivery method, including class times and due dates, works for your schedule.
With our help, you can find the perfect software engineering master’s online to program your future.