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 27 programs, and here are our findings:
- Lowest Cost: West Virginia University costs $21,450.
- Average: The average cost for an associate degree is $44,293.
- Most Expensive: Carnegie Mellon University at $73,720.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
Program: Masters of Science in Software Engineering
Tuition: $21,450
Cost per credit: $715
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsGrand Canyon University
Phoenix, ArizonaProgram: Online Master’s in Software Engineering
Tuition: $21,850
Cost per credit: $575
Credits: 38
Delivery Method: Online
ABET Accreditation: Required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsWashington State University - Global Campus
Pullman, WashingtonProgram: Master of Science in Software Engineering
Tuition: $26,102
Cost per credit: $842
Credits: 31
Delivery Method: Online
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsSan Jose State University
San Jose, CaliforniaProgram: Masters of Science in Software Engineering
Tuition: $27,423
Cost per credit: $435 in state | $831 out of state
Credits: 33
Delivery Method: Campus
ABET Accreditation: Not required for students from an ABET accredited degree program
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Michigan - Dearborn
Dearborn, MichiganProgram: MS in Software Engineering
Tuition: $28,800
Cost per credit: $506 in state | $960 Campus | $632 Online
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus & online
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsFairfield University
Fairfield, ConnecticutProgram: MS in Software Engineering
Tuition: $29,550
Cost per credit: $985
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsEast Carolina University
Greenville, North CarolinaProgram: Master of Science in Software Engineering
Tuition: $29,820
Cost per credit: $264 in state | $994 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus & online
ABET Accreditation: Required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsRegis University
Denver, ColoradoProgram: M.S. in Software Engineering
Tuition: $32,256
Cost per credit: $896
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus & online
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsLoyola University Chicago
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: MS in Software Engineering
Tuition: $33,750
Cost per credit: $1,125
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus, hybrid & online
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania State University - World Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaProgram: Master of Software Engineering
Tuition: $36,612
Cost per credit: $1,017
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Online
ABET Accreditation : Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of St. Thomas
St. Paul, MinnesotaProgram: M.S. in Software Engineering
Tuition: $38,250
Cost per credit: $1,275
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
ABET Accreditation: Not required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TexasProgram: Software Engineering M.S.
Tuition: $38,820
Cost per credit: $653 in state | $1,294 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus & online
ABET Accreditation: Required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsFlorida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FloridaProgram: Master's in Software Engineering
Tuition: $39,300
Cost per credit: $1,310
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
ABET Accreditation: Required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsSaint Louis University
St. Louis, MissouriProgram: Software Engineering, M.S.
Tuition: $42,000
Cost per credit: $1,400
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
ABET Accreditation: Required
GRE Required: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsDePaul University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: Master of Science in Software Engineering
Tuition: $44,064
Cost per credit: $918
Credits: 48
Delivery Method: Campus & online
ABET Accreditation : Not required
GRE Required: No
Learn more: Program details