2025 Most Affordable Online Master's in Software Engineering
The cheapest online master’s degrees in software engineering offer a low-cost way to advance your technical skills in areas like software architecture, agile development, and project management. You may also want to check out our list of the most affordable online engineering management master's degrees.
Key Takeaways:
- Kennesaw State University ranks #1 for affordability, offering its online master’s in software engineering for just $5,895 per year.
- Purdue University leads in student outcomes with 83% graduating.
- Kansas State University boasts a 98% graduate recommendation rate based on student surveys we've collected.
These rankings are based on manually verified tuition data. For full details, see our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's in Software Engineering
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw (GA) | $5,895 | |
| California State University - Fullerton | Fullerton (CA) | $6,872 | |
| North Dakota State University - Main Campus | Fargo (ND) | $6,955 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $8,400 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $9,075 | |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan (KS) | $9,093 | |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown (WV) | $9,690 | |
| American National University | Multiple Locations | $10,780 | |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock (TX) | $11,749 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $11,862 | |
| Washington State University | Pullman (WA) | $13,428 | |
| Saint Cloud State University | St. Cloud (MN) | $13,456 | |
| Purdue University - Main Campus | West Lafayette (IN) | $14,250 | |
| University of Advancing Technology | Tempe (AZ) | $14,300 | |
| Franklin University | Columbus (OH) | $14,471 |
A Closer Look at Our Most Affordable Software Engineering Master's Programs
When it comes to choosing an online master’s in software engineering, considering cost is a strategic career decision. That’s why we created this list, which ranks master's in software engineering based on affordability. However, we also want to help you look deeper and evaluate outcomes like graduation rates, student satisfaction, and alumni earnings. The goal is to help you find a high-quality degree that won’t burden you with overwhelming debt.
Across all 15 programs in our ranking, the median total tuition is just $11,749 — well below the national average for online STEM graduate programs, which can often exceed $20,000 or more. Full tuition figures are calculated by multiplying the per-credit tuition rate by the total number of credits required, typically between 30 and 36 credits for these master's degrees.
Here’s where the list really shines:
Half of the schools (8 of 15) offer the full degree for under $10,000.
Three schools — Kennesaw State, CSU Fullerton, and NDSU — come in under $7,000, offering some of the most affordable accredited online software engineering master’s degrees in the country.
On a national scale, this is a big deal. Programs at this price point are increasingly rare, particularly in high-demand fields like software engineering. Affordability at this level can make a graduate degree accessible to a broader range of learners, especially working professionals, career switchers, and those without employer-sponsored tuition assistance.
But as I said, low tuition alone isn’t enough. So we’ve layered in deeper data: How likely are you to finish the program? Do alumni recommend it? And when it comes to your future income, how do these programs stack up against others nationwide?
Let’s dive into what the data says and what it means for your future.
Affordability Meets ROI: Who Delivers the Most for Your Money?
Kennesaw State University sets the bar with a tuition of just $5,895, followed closely by CSU Fullerton at $6,872 and North Dakota State University at $6,955. These three programs don’t just win on price, they outperform many competitors on student outcomes, too.
Take CSU Fullerton, for example. Alongside its low cost, it boasts a 69% graduation rate and a 94% recommendation rate based on student surveys we've collected. This shows that students are finishing and endorsing the experience. NDSU complements its affordability with strong completion outcomes and offers assistantships, adding even more value.
But cost isn’t everything. Return on investment (ROI) matters, and that’s where we look at outcomes like earnings.
CSU Fullerton is the only school here with verified alumni earnings, reporting a median of $113,712, though that lands in the 27th percentile compared to peers. So that means while it's respectable, it's definitely not elite. That’s why we turn to proxies like retention and graduation rates to gauge ROI where earnings data isn’t available. Schools like Purdue Main Campus may cost more ($14,250), but with an 83% graduation rate and 90% retention, it signals long-term value and likely stronger salary outcomes.
How These Programs Are Built for Real-World Software Engineers
Many of these programs clearly anticipate the diversity of their student body — not everyone enrolling in a master’s in software engineering is a lifelong coder. At Kennesaw State, for instance, career-switchers are welcomed with structured foundation courses, and students can choose between online, hybrid, or on-campus study. That level of flexibility is a lifeline if you’re working full time or re-entering the tech field from a different industry.
Then there are programs like CSU Fullerton, where the curriculum reads like a software engineer’s toolbox: ISO standards, agile frameworks, and architectural design strategies that mirror the real workflows you'll encounter in enterprise environments. It’s practical, rigorous, and clearly aligned with industry norms, which is exactly what hiring managers look for.
Other schools bring depth through specialization. Purdue Global and Kansas State both offer multiple focus areas, from Blockchain and Cloud Systems to Bioinformatics and Intelligent Systems. In a field where job roles are increasingly niche, a program that lets you tailor your path is an enormous advantage.
Software engineering programs, like the one at ASU Online, can also signal inclusivity and accessibility in powerful ways. ASU ensures your diploma doesn’t mention it was earned online — an intentional decision that removes any stigma and puts your knowledge, not your modality, front and center.
Taken together, these design choices reveal a strong understanding of who today’s software engineering students are: working professionals, career shifters, and tech-savvy learners looking for both credibility and flexibility. The best programs on this list meet you where you are in order to help you move toward exactly where you want to go.
Recommendation Rates as a Window Into Program Quality
We collect thousands of student reviews each year to help prospective learners get a real sense of what it’s like to attend a particular school. We strongly believe that this kind of firsthand experience matters because budget-friendly programs can vary widely in quality. Recommendation rates reflect whether students felt supported, challenged, and ultimately satisfied enough to suggest the program to others.
For a demanding, career-focused field like software engineering, these kinds of endorsements can help you avoid programs that skimp on engagement or don’t deliver real-world value.
The table above shows the ten highest recommendation rates from our ranking. Schools like KSU (98%), SCSU (96%), and CSUF (94%) stand out not just for their low tuition, but for creating environments where students feel their investment paid off, both academically and professionally. These numbers are a powerful signal that you’re joining a community where others have succeeded and would do it again.
The Insider View: What Matters Most in Software Engineering Today
Co-founder of Apicbase
What are the biggest advantages of pursuing a master’s in software engineering?
A master’s in software engineering is much more focused on real-world development — things like software architecture, agile methodologies, and project management. Computer science [on the other hand] is more theoretical, with topics like algorithms and theory of computation. If you want to build and manage large software systems in industry, software engineering gives you a more practical toolkit.
From your experience, which roles open up most for graduates with a master’s in software engineering?
Graduates tend to step into senior developer, technical lead, or even solutions architect roles more quickly. Some also transition into engineering management because the program teaches how to design systems and how to work with teams. It’s well suited for people aiming to grow beyond just writing code.
In what ways do online master’s programs succeed, or sometimes fall short, when it comes to building skills that are essential for software development teams?
Online programs are great for flexibility and can be strong on technical content, but they sometimes fall short on collaboration skills. Working in a real dev team means navigating code reviews, stand-ups, version control conflicts, stuff that’s hard to simulate in solo assignments. Group projects and live sessions help bridge that gap.
How can students evaluate a program's ROI?
Look at job placement rates, alumni career paths, and the strength of their industry partnerships. A good program should offer hands-on experience (internships, capstone projects) and help you build a portfolio. That combination of learning and real-world work is what makes the degree worth it.
Do you see value in students pursuing additional credentials alongside a master’s degree?
Yes, 100%. If you’re doing a software engineering master’s, an AWS or Azure certification complements it well as it shows you understand modern deployment practices. Kubernetes is great for backend and DevOps roles. Scrum certs are useful if you're leaning into team leadership or product work.
...I recommend focusing on system design, APIs, cloud infrastructure, and version control. On the soft side, communication is huge, writing good documentation, giving feedback, and leading discussions. These are the skills that separate senior devs from junior ones.
Final Takeaways: Engineering a Career That Pays Off
Choosing an online master’s in software engineering involves making a smart investment in a fast-moving, high-demand field. This year’s most affordable online colleges prove that cost-conscious students don’t have to compromise on academic quality, peer support, or career outcomes. In fact, many of these schools are innovating in ways that directly respond to what today’s software engineers actually need.
Across the board, we see schools designing their programs for the modern tech professional: asynchronous courses for flexibility, real-world frameworks like Agile and CMMI, and optional specializations in areas like AI, cloud systems, and cybersecurity. These features reflect a shift in how graduate education is delivered — moving away from theory-heavy models and toward workplace-ready, modular, and skill-specific training. Employers want professionals who can both architect systems and work cross-functionally, and the best programs are now structured with that in mind.
As you weigh your options, don’t just ask, “What does this program cost?” Ask:
-
“Will this program prepare me to lead teams or build scalable systems?”
-
“Are graduates thriving in the types of roles I want next?”
-
“Will I gain not just technical knowledge, but the collaborative and leadership skills that elevate my career?”
Software engineering is evolving, and these programs show that online schools are evolving with it. The best choice isn’t only the cheapest one but the one that gets you where you want to go, without dragging a mountain of debt behind you.
Student Reviews of Online Software Engineering Programs
UMGC offers a great software engineering program. The materials I learned throughout the program helped me be a competitive candidate for software engineering roles. I was able to secure multiple interviews after graduation with 2 of them being with FAANG companies. I’m very satisfied with degree at UMGC.
Review Date: 12/6/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For those with a non-STEM bachelor and little experience in Software Development, this program offers what is necessary to understand Software Development. Can you self-prepare for the field on your own? Yes, but for those of us who require a classroom setting, this is it! Also, the program is not a Software Engineering curriculum but rather Software Development. The two can be easily confused and many in industry interchange roles frequently. Either way, you have a good chance of landing a job as... Read More
Review Date: 10/19/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
So far, so good. Instructors are very helpful and knowledgeable of what they are teaching. The courses and instructional materials are relevant and the instructors are understanding. Of course, online setting is different. You have to do your part too.
Review Date: 12/20/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This program is specifically meant to check a box. If you have been in the field of software engineering for a year, you will not learn anything new. The advisers are not helpful if you have conflicts with anything. The program doesn't offer any flexibility with schedule. There is no financial support. The entire program is entirely busy work. The professors are nice and offer good advice on menial assignments, but the topics covered in the courses will all have been learned in undergraduate studies... Read More
Review Date: 11/2/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The M.S in SE is a joke. The program is 12 classes or 36 credits in total, 25% of the classes are APA writing classes. I want to be a software engineer not a writer. They embed these junk classes in the middle of the program so you don't find out that the program is a joke until your over halfway through. Every other M.S SE program that I've seen is technology focused, meaning your going to actually learn about technology, not this one. Instead of teaching you about how operating systems work, C++,... Read More
Review Date: 9/7/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
A great graduate program, very challenging and make you prepared for the software engineering field. ECU is one of few schools that offers a graduate program specializing in Software Engineering which is a very in demand field right now. Great instruction on design processes and use of different programing languages. I would recommend this strongly to anyone interested in the field.
Review Date: 11/24/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Has provided all the answers to my questions and has provided 100% support.
Review Date: 12/17/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The courses that I have been taking at PSU are courses that teach viable skills applicable to the corporate workplace. I was able to balance this degree and a full time work schedule. Furthermore, the professors were very polite and answered questions in a very detailed manner.
Review Date: 8/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Since it was an online program through Great Valley many of these don't apply to me. One of the things that has hampered me is the lack of professor student interaction. It would be great if the professor either had a weekly online video chat or posted a video online about this week's discussion.
Review Date: 8/5/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This online school has impressed in more ways than one. I did my undergraduate at an online university as well and was thoroughly dissatisfied with my experience at the other. However, at Walden University they have showed nothing but the utmost support through the admission process to getting setup for classes and so forth. I have taken one class and the structure is challenging but gives you everything you need to succeed. I know most reviews i've been finding about the school have been mostly... Read More
Review Date: 12/30/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great school I have learned a lot there. The quality of the teachers is phenomenal. All teachers teach in ways that allow students to easily comprehend the information. If students struggle with understanding something, teachers always have a backup or a different approach to getting the students to understand. Not only that but the teachers want to see the students succeed because teachers devoted their time to get students to the next step. Teachers will not give up unless students fully understand... Read More
Review Date: 2/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Strayer University is a great instruction that strongly supports and provides resources for students to be successful academically.
Review Date: 3/27/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
California State University - Fullerton is a great school. I was enrolled in the Software Engineering program and graduated in 2011 with a master's degree. I learned so much from the courses and the professors. The professors were very helpful and provided feedbacks/responses promptly.
Review Date: 8/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Currently an entering student. Speaking with advisers, coordinators, and staff, made me feel I had made the right choice to further my education in computer technology.
Review Date: 1/2/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
ASU offers a variety of classes but I feel it should offer more classes that are more geared towards professional development of necessary skills.
Review Date: 5/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It was very accessible and accommodating. The faculty and staff bent over backwards to help me out in my first year.
Review Date: 7/30/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have not finished my degree yet; however, I am 2 years into the Biotechnology/Bioinformatics program. The program is demanding in terms of the reading assignments, writing assignments, and group projects. The program will make you write, write, and write. Did I mention write? I have noticed that many students will drop out of the classes in the first several weeks when they see the workload.
UMUC is a Maryland state school focused on the needs of the military and people already working as professionals.... Read More
Additionally, the school takes plagiarism seriously and the most minor typo can land you in hot water! I truly do not understand the bad remarks a few have posted. Yes, UMUC has an open acceptance policy and some students at UMUC are not prepared to do graduate level work. They will fail out or drop out quickly, so what!? This just shows that the school is doing its job of screening candidates based on ACTUAL work not based upon more subjective means. Frankly, if you are 18-22 and have the money and ability to go to a University Campus then great, go! UMUC is not meant for you. UMUC is Maryland's answer to the needs of the military and professionals in the state. It's a good answer.
Review Date: 2/24/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It was a very good experience, especially with online classes in engineering. The facilities were rather nice and easy to use, a decent computer lab and classrooms, and a rather expansive and useful campus. There's very little that isn't located on site.
Review Date: 6/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school accepts anyone and everyone, this leads to classes full of people who just needed visas, work permissions or a way to get into the States. If someone is serious about networking and having classmates who are genuine about their learning, this is not worth at all. The school cares mostly about the expansion of campuses in different states rather than focusing on their admissions of worthy students.
Review Date: 9/20/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
This review is especially for future active duty, retired, and separated veterans living in the same area whom are deciding on a school and degree program that best fits their needs. Over the course of 15 years I have attended 4 accredited universities and multiple colleges while in the USA and overseas. Both my roommate and I are Marines and graduate students currently living on campus. In a region where cyber security, cloud computing, and data science have taken center stage if you live in the... Read More
Review Date: 2/20/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No