Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Degrees 2022

A ranking of the most affordable online software engineering degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Every application in our daily lives, from the messaging applications we use to text our friends to the games we play in our free time, was touched by a software engineer.

Software engineering is a subcategory of computer engineering and computer science. At its core, software engineering focuses on programming codes for various applications. Thanks to the emergence of computers in the late 20th century, there has always been a continuous need for software engineers. Especially as our lives are so intertwined with technology today, software engineers are always in high demand. Between 2012 and 2022, an estimated 220,000 software development positions will be created nationally. Software engineers will not just be sitting behind a desk every day but must also work with other industry leaders to improve technology outcomes. Because of the high demand for this position, software engineers can work in a variety of fields.
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What type of degree in software engineering should you get?

An online software engineering degree is the most flexible degree for working adults who may not have time for a traditional on-campus degree. Most of these degrees can be completed 100 percent online with sometimes the option of choosing hybrid courses. The amount per credit-hour is often usually cheaper, making online courses the more affordable option. Check out College Choice’s list of the Most Affordable Online Colleges regardless of degree. The most common specializations within the software engineering field include software design and development, software engineering configuration management, application development, and information security. Students interested in pursuing a specific area should check to see if the program offers these focuses.

How much money do people make with a degree in software engineering?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a software engineer is $82,749 or about $33.95 per hour regardless of degree. The average salary of those who hold a BS in software engineering is $74,000. People with several years of experience can easily make over $100,000. Although a master’s may not be necessary for advancement in career, the average salary of those who hold an MS in this degree is $99,000. Companies that tend to pay software engineers the most include Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. However, graduates should not just look at big corporations to find jobs - startups also can pay big bucks for talented software engineers.

What can you do with a degree in software engineering?

Because jobs within Software Engineering is expected to experience a growth of about 20 percent within the next several years, those with this major will be able to find several jobs. Some of the major career paths of a software engineer include applications, systems, or web development. These engineers find themselves working not only in large tech corporations, but also for the government and small startups. A software engineer will utilize programming and computing theory in order to produce better outcomes for businesses and society. Some engineers may also advance to the management side where they will merge both technical and business skills in their everyday job. Therefore, a software engineer must have great communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in addition to the technical skills required.

What are the requirements for a degree in software engineering?

Strong applicants will have a high school diploma with a strong GPA, preferably above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Many schools also have minimum SAT and ACT scores, with emphasis on the math or science section. While not technically required, taking advanced math and science courses in high school will also improve one’s chances of admission. For the programs that only offer upper division courses, an associates degree in Software Engineering or related field will be required for admission.

What are the most affordable online software engineering degrees?

Below is College Choice’s top 10 picks for the most affordable online software engineering degrees. These schools were chosen based on a variety of data from sources such as the U.S. News & World Report, PayScale, the National Center for Education Statistics’ IPEDS database, and individual college websites.

Ranking

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Degrees 2022

Eastern Florida State College

  • Cocoa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People looking for a flexible education that prepares them for the field should consider Eastern Florida State College's bachelor's in program development/software development. The public college offers premier virtual bachelor's programs for its 7,367 remote learners.

The software development program prepares students for careers in the field by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Classes cover both foundational topics and advanced subjects in program and software development, giving enrollees broad knowledge of the field. If it makes sense for their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to strengthen their knowledge of the industry. Learners can benefit from internships and externships, along with industry-specific research projects. During the course of their program, students can speak with academic advisors and career counselors for guidance.

To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A leader in online education, the college connects students with financial aid to support their learning endeavors, reporting that 68% of all enrollees receive aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,892
Out-of-state
$7,573
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
15,352
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Degrees 2022

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the software engineering field? Check out the BS in software development at Western Governors University.

The bachelor's in software development prepares students for a fulfilling software engineering career by giving them the tools for success. Both foundational concepts and advanced topics in software engineering are covered by classes in the broad curriculum. Experiential learning opportunities help degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge to advance their career goals. Learners gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. During the course of their program, students can speak with academic advising and career services for guidance.

Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internship funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A leader in online education, the college connects students with financial aid to support their learning endeavors, reporting that 72% of all enrollees receive aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Degrees 2022

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flexibility of Bellevue University's learning opportunities suits many different types of degree-seekers interested in the private institution. The Nebraska-based school supports 11,008 learners attending remotely from all over the United States, offering 54 online bachelor's programs. Of these, the top-ranking BS in software development attracts people interested in technology careers.

Connecting with premier faculty members and a supportive learning community benefits students. Advancing personal and professional goals is made easier for degree-seekers with career-ready classwork and projects they complete in an online learning space. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Faculty advisors help enrollees mold the program to their needs and interests by letting them pick electives and select individualized coursework.

An education at the college is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. If they qualify, students benefit from different types of financial assistance, such as fellowships and scholarships. Getting some kind of financial assistance helps 84% of the college's enrollees bring down the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,530
Out-of-state
$10,530
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,637
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Degrees 2022

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online

People wanting a flexible remote education in should check out the BS in software development and security at University of Maryland Global Campus. With 31 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs, the public institution educates 52,298 virtual degree-seekers. Based in Adelphi, Maryland, the school features institutional resources, such as a supportive virtual community, which benefit remote learners.

Students gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. The curriculum for the degree includes courses on general education topics and advanced subfields, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Hands-on learning experiences supplement enrollees' education. Externships, internships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the field.

Prospective students can learn about enrollment criteria by talking to the admissions office. Financial aid is awarded to 46% of all enrollees, so students should meet with a financial aid officer to see if they qualify. Learners meeting the proper criteria use scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid to bring down the price of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,200
Out-of-state
$11,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,640
Out-of-state
$11,862
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
58,281
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Degrees 2022

Grantham University

  • Lenexa, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online

A private institution, Grantham University provides flexible learning opportunities to degree-seekers from all walks of life. Of these, the top-choice BS in computer engineering technology suits individuals planning to go into computer engineering or a related field.

Enrolled students connect with distinguished faculty members and a supportive student body. Degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals by completing coursework and projects in a remote learning space. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Faculty advisors help enrollees pick electives and create an individualized plan of study to mold the program to their needs and interests.

Since the cost of an education can be expensive, the college offers many different internal and external funding opportunities. Scholarships, fellowships, and other kinds of financial assistance are available to students who qualify by meeting eligibility criteria. Educational expenses decrease for the 99% of the college's enrollees who get some kind of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,080
Out-of-state
$7,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,200
Out-of-state
$4,200
Retention Rate
40%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,079
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Distance Education Accrediting Commission

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