• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TechGuide

  • Degrees
    • Analytics
      • Analytics Associate
      • Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics
      • Online Bachelor's in Data Science
      • Data Analytics Master's
      • Data Science Master's
      • Business Analytics Master's
      • Online Master's in Business Analytics
      • Online Data Analytics Master's
      • Online Master's in Data Science
      • Data Science PhD
      • Data Analytics PhD
      • Business Analytics PhD
    • Computer Science
      • CS Associate
      • IT Associate
      • Computer Science Bachelor's
      • Artifical Intelligence Master's
      • Computer Science Master's
      • Machine Learning Master's
      • Software Engineering Master's
      • Online Associate Degree in Computer Science
      • Online Bachelor's in Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence Online Master's
      • Online Master's in Computer Science
      • IT PhD
    • Design
      • Graphic Design Associate
      • Graphic Design Bachelor's
      • Graphic Design Master's
      • Instructional Design Master's
      • Integrated Design Master's
      • UX Design Master's
      • Online Graphic Design Degree
      • Online Video Game Design
      • Online Master's in Instructional Design
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering Master's
      • Aerospace Engineering Master's
      • Electrical Engineering Master's
      • Engineering Management Master's
      • Industrial Engineering Master's
      • Mechanical Engineering Master's
      • Robotics Master's
    • Fintech
      • Fintech Associate
      • Fintech Bachelor's
      • Blockchain Master's
      • Fintech Master's
    • MBA
      • Business Analytics
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
      • Fintech
      • Information Technology
  • Careers
    • Analytics
      • Business Analyst
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Analyst
      • Data Architect
      • Data Engineer
      • Data Scientist
      • Data Specialist
      • Sports Data Analyst
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Cloud Computing
      • Computer Programmer
      • Computer Scientist
      • Front-End Developer
      • Full Stack Developer
      • Machine Learning
      • Software Developer
      • Software Engineer
      • Video Game Developer
      • Web Developer
    • Design
      • Data-Driven Designer
      • Graphic Designer
      • Instructional Design
      • Multimedia Artist
      • Product Designer
      • UX Designer
      • Video Game Designer
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineer
      • Civil Engineer
      • Computational Science
      • DevOps Engineer
      • Electrical Engineer
      • Engineering Manager
      • Industrial Engineer
      • Mechanical Engineer
      • Robotics Engineer
    • Fintech
      • Fintech App Developer
      • Blockchain Developer
      • Compliance Expert
      • Cryptocurrency Analyst
      • Financial Analyst
      • Innovation Analyst
      • Investment Analyst
      • Investment Banker
      • Product Manager
      • Quantitative Analyst
      • Tech Sales
    • Marketing
      • Content Marketing
      • Content Strategist
      • Marketing Analyst
      • Social Media Manager
  • Certifications
    • Analytics
      • Business Analyst
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Cloud Computing
      • Computer Coding
      • Cybersecurity
      • Information Technology
    • Design
      • Instructional Design
      • UX Design
    • Engineering
      • Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Project Management PMP
      • Systems Engineering
    • Fintech
      • Blockchain
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Fintech
      • Procurement
  • Bootcamps
    • Analytics
      • Business Analytics
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Coding
      • Front-End Development
      • Full-Stack Development
      • Information Technology
      • Machine Learning
      • Software Development
    • Design
      • UX Design
    • Engineering
      • Project Management
      • Software Engineering
    • Fintech
      • Blockchain
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Fintech
  • Resources
    • Courses
      • Blockchain
      • Coding
      • Computer Science
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
      • Fintech
      • Project Management (PMP)
      • UX Design
    • Jobs
      • Business Analyst
      • Computer Programming
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science and Data Scientist
      • Electrical Engineer
      • Graphic Designer
      • Instructional Designer
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Web Developer
    • Guides
      • Tech Career Mini Course
      • A Career with Numbers
      • K-12 STEM Resources
      • Internships in Tech
      • Best Tech Scholarships
      • A Veteran’s Guide to a Job in Tech
      • Women in Tech
  • Podcast
Home   >   Computer Science   >   Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering

Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering

Last updated: June 16, 2025
On This Page
  • Overview
  • Affordability Rankings
  • Related Resources

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.

Learn more about master’s in software engineering

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

Related Resources

  • Find the Most Affordable Online Master’s in Business Analytics
  • The Most Affordable Online Master’s in AI Programs
  • The Most Affordable Master’s in Machine Learning Programs
  • Find a Complete List of Affordable Master’s in Data Science Programs
  • Find the Most Affordable Master’s in Business Analytics Programs

Primary Sidebar

Last updated: June 16, 2025

ON THIS PAGE

  • Overview
  • Affordability Rankings
  • Related Resources

Follow us

About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Copyright © 2025 | TechGuide | All Rights Reserved