Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering

Software engineering stands at the heart of the digital revolution. With technology increasingly becoming a staple in every facet of our lives, from mobile apps to complex cloud solutions, the demand for skilled software engineers has never been higher.

As companies continue to innovate and digitalize, the appetite for professionals who can design, develop, and maintain software systems is expanding rapidly.

Enter the world of master’s in software engineering programs. These specialized degrees are perfect for individuals looking to dive deeper into the world of software development or pivot their careers toward this burgeoning field.

Bridge the Developer Gap

A common hurdle we encounter from prospective students is the concern over the cost of education. Despite the booming job market for software developers and the clear demand outstripping the supply of qualified software engineers, the financial commitment of pursuing a master’s degree can be daunting.

This hasn’t gone unnoticed by us. That’s precisely why the TechGuide research team has put together a list of the most affordable software engineering master’s degree programs available.

We aim to aid your research phase, making the decision process a bit easier. Our comprehensive list includes both on-campus and online options, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences.

We analyzed 40 programs, and here are our findings:

• Lowest Cost: San Jose State University costs $20,592.
• Average: The average cost for an associate degree is $47,982.
• Most Expensive: Carnegie Mellon University at $114,840.

Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering Programs for 2025

1. San Jose State University

   San Jose, California

   
   Program: Masters of Science in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $20,592
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $624
   Credits: 33
   GRE requirement: Not required for students from an ABET accredited degree program
   Learn more: Program details

2. International Technological University

   Santa Clara, California

   
   Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: No
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $27,300
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $700
   Credits: 39
   GRE requirement: Optional
   Learn more: Program details

3. California State University, Northridge

   Northridge, California

   
   Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $27,390
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $493 in-state | $913 out-of-state
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

4. Villanova University

   Villanova, Pennsylvania

   
   Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $27,750
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $925
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

5. East Carolina University

   Greenville, North Carolina

   
   Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $29,820
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $264 in-state | $994 out-of-state
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

6. Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University

   Daytona Beach, Florida

   
   Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $30,096
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $700 Military | $836 Civilian
   Credits: 36
   GRE requirement: Optional
   Learn more: Program details

7. Fairfield University

   Fairfield, Connecticut

   
   Program: MS in Software Engineering
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $30,600
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,020
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

8. Oakland University

   Rochester, Michigan

   
   Program: Master’s Degree in Software Engineering and IT
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $32,864
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $915 in-state | $1,027 out-of-state
   Credits: 32
   GRE requirement: Can be waived
   Learn more: Program details

9. Florida A&M University

   Tallahassee, Florida

   
   Program: Software Engineering, MS
   ABET accreditation: Yes
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $33,726
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $406 in-state | $1,022 out-of-state
   Credits: 33
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

10. St. Mary's University

    San Antonio, Texas

    
    Program: Online Master’s in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $33,960
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,132
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

11. University of Texas at Austin

    Austin, Texas

    
    Program: Software Engineering Executive Master's Degree
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $33,990
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,133
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

12. Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Program: MS in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
    Total tuition: $34,950
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,165
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

13. Texas Tech University

    Lubbock, Texas

    
    Program: Master of Science in Software and Security Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $35,030
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $633 in-state | $1,130 out-of-state
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

14. University of Texas at El Paso

    El Paso, Texas

    
    Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $35,070
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $513 in-state | $1,169 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

15. Regis University

    Denver, Colorado

    
    Program: M.S. in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $35,136
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $976
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

16. Gannon University

    Erie, Pennsylvania

    
    Program: Master of Science in Embedded Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $37,800
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,260
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

17. University of Houston-Clear Lake

    Houston, Texas

    
    Program: Software Engineering M.S.
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $38,820
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $653 in-state | $1,294 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

18. Florida Institute of Technology

    Melbourne, Florida

    
    Program: Master's in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $39,300
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,310
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

19. University of St. Thomas

    St. Paul, Minnesota

    
    Program: M.S. in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $39,300
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,310
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

20. Cleveland State University

    Cleveland, Ohio

    
    Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $39,542
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $618 in-state | $1,163 out-of-state
    Credits: 34
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

21. Saint Louis University

    St. Louis, Missouri

    
    Program: Software Engineering, M.S.
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $42,000
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,400
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

22. Washington State University

    Pullman, Washington

    
    Program: Online Master’s degree in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $42,660
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $594 in-state | $1,422 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

23. University of Washington Bothell

    Bothell, Washington

    
    Program: Master of Science in Computer Science & Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $43,700
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $950
    Credits: 46
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details

24. DePaul University

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Program: Master of Science in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $45,840
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $955
    Credits: 48
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

25. University of Michigan - Dearborn

    Dearborn, Michigan

    
    Program: MS in Software Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $51,630
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $954 in-state | $1,721 out-of-state (Campus) | $1,192 (Online)
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

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