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 13 online programs, and here are our findings:
- Lowest Cost: East Carolina University costs $29,820.
- Average: The average cost for an associate degree is $44,829.
- Most Expensive: Drexel University at $64,710.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering Programs for 2025
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 detailsSt. Mary's University
San Antonio, TexasProgram: 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 detailsLoyola University Chicago
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsTexas Tech University
Lubbock, TexasProgram: 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 detailsRegis University
Denver, ColoradoProgram: 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 detailsUniversity of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TexasProgram: 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 detailsWashington State University
Pullman, WashingtonProgram: 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 detailsDePaul University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: 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 detailsUniversity of Michigan - Dearborn
Dearborn, MichiganProgram: 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 detailsAuburn University
Auburn, AlabamaProgram: Master of Science - Computer Science and Software Engineering
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $55,080
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $612 in-state | $1,836 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required for campus-based; not required for online
Learn more: Program detailsPace University
New York, New YorkProgram: Ms in Software Development and Engineering
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $57,240
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,590
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsStevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New JerseyProgram: Software Engineering Master's Program
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $57,900
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,930
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsDrexel University
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaProgram: Master's in Software Engineering
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $64,710
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,438
Credits: 45
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details