2026 Most Affordable 91成人 Master's in Software Engineering
Research the cheapest online master's in software engineering ranked by manually verified tuition and supported by verified student ratings.
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Affordable online master鈥檚 degrees in software engineering offer a low-cost way to advance your technical skills in areas like software architecture, agile development, and project management.
Key Takeaways:
- Annual tuition runs from $6,727 to $19,000, meaning students can pay nearly three times as much depending on the program they choose.
- Texas Tech, North Dakota State University, and Saint Cloud State University each have recommendation rates of at least 93% while keeping annual tuition below $10,000.
- 13 of the 15 programs charge the same tuition regardless of where students live, making graduate-level software engineering one of the more accessible fields.
How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools
The 91成人 research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.
2026 Most Affordable 91成人 Master's in Software Engineering
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | $6,727 | $6,727 | 93% | N/A | |
| North Dakota State University - Main Campus | $7,373 | $7,373 | 95% | N/A | |
| Saint Cloud State University | $9,300 | $9,300 | 95% | N/A | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $9,792 | $11,862 | 70% | N/A | |
| Arizona State University, 91成人 | $10,070 | $10,070 | 93% | N/A | |
| Washington State University | $10,726 | $10,726 | 86% | N/A | |
| American National University | $10,780 | $10,780 | 21% | N/A | |
| University of Houston - Clear Lake | $11,040 | $23,496 | 98% | N/A | |
| West Virginia University | $11,775 | $11,775 | 94% | N/A | |
| Kennesaw State University | $11,790 | $11,790 | 90% | N/A | |
| Purdue University - Main Campus | $14,250 | $14,250 | 94% | N/A | |
| University of Arizona | $15,000 | $15,000 | 96% | N/A | |
| Mercer University | $16,050 | $16,050 | 89% | $114,008 | |
| Pennsylvania State University - World Campus | $18,666 | $18,666 | 36% | N/A | |
| University of Advancing Technology | $19,000 | $19,000 | 89% | N/A |
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- TTU stands out first for having the cheapest tuition at $6,727/year (and with no out-of-state premium).
- Texas Tech’s 31-credit Master of Science in Software and Security Engineering combines advanced software engineering with information and computer security, preparing students for careers spanning software and security.
- A distinctive alternative to the traditional thesis or project is the option to complete an approved industry career certificate through Coursera as the program’s required comprehensive evaluation.
AI Student Review Summary: A strong sense of community and access to engaged faculty define many Texas Tech University experiences. Students value mentoring, research, assistantships, networking, and extracurricular opportunities that can support graduate study and career development. Flexible learning options and comparatively affordable tuition also receive positive feedback. Academic experiences vary across departments, however, with some students citing disorganized courses, inconsistent teaching, or too much self-directed learning. Additional concerns include uneven career preparation and limited course availability.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 2,638 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 85%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This online software engineering master's program is housed in NDSU’s College of Engineering and provides access to an R1 research university environment, with opportunities to collaborate with researchers on current problems in the field.
- Graduate assistantships may be available through university departments, providing another potential source of financial and professional support for eligible students.
- NDSU’s Master of Software Engineering takes an end-to-end approach to software development, covering requirements gathering, design, testing, maintenance, project planning, and lifecycle management rather than focusing primarily on programming.
AI Student Review Summary: North Dakota State University earns positive feedback for approachable faculty, practical learning, and opportunities to connect academics with research and career goals. Students also value advising, career services, and the range of ways to become involved. Affordability is another recurring advantage, particularly for students eligible for in-state or reciprocity tuition. Experiences can differ by academic department, with some receiving stronger support than others. Additional concerns include limited assistance for transfer students, occasional communication difficulties with instructors, and demanding workloads in accelerated or intensive programs.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 380 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 78%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- St. Cloud State’s Professional Science Master’s in Software Engineering is designed specifically for experienced computing professionals, with 20% of the program consisting of MBA coursework to prepare software professionals for leadership roles in the industry.
- The program may consider prior knowledge and experience gained in the software industry for academic credit.
- Applicants are generally expected to have at least two years of post-graduation work experience in a computing field or be employed full time by a U.S.-based organization.
AI Student Review Summary: Affordability and accessible faculty contribute to many positive experiences at Saint Cloud State University. Students describe smaller classes as conducive to mentorship and value opportunities for research, assistantships, internships, and other applied learning. Those who actively pursue these resources often report stronger career or graduate school preparation. Experiences vary across departments and professors, however, and some students find career services limited or certain courses insufficiently connected to professional goals.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 1,038 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 71%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The program holds a Professional Science Master’s designation, reflecting its combination of graduate-level STEM study with workplace-oriented skills such as project management, leadership, and professional communication.
- Most textbooks are replaced with no-cost digital course materials.
- Students gain practical experience through projects such as comparing Agile, Scrum, RAD, UP, and XP methodologies; creating use-case diagrams and requirements documents; developing object-oriented software design documents; and conducting usability testing.
2 Student Reviews for Master's in Software Engineering Degrees
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... Read More
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... Read More
UMUC is a Maryland state school focused on the needs of the military and people already working as professionals. I went to a traditional ranked undergraduate school and I believe I have learned significantly more at UMUC. The Biotech program appears well organized. Every class has a syllabus with the same basic sections, all writing is done in APA 6, all classes require participation, all classes require a group project, all classes have multiple writing assignments, all tests are essay (exception being math classes, but even then you have to explain your work).
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.
AI Student Review Summary: Flexibility is a major draw at the University of Maryland Global Campus, particularly for working adults and military-affiliated students who value accelerated terms and online access. The coursework emphasizes independent learning, research, and frequent writing, which can suit organized, self-motivated students. Experiences with instructors vary considerably, with some offering strong support and others providing limited feedback or engagement. The sharpest concerns involve financial aid, billing, advising, transcript processing, and degree audits. Students also criticize excessive group work and limited hands-on instruction in some technical courses.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 10,289 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 55%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- ASU structures the program as a Master of Science in Engineering Science with a concentration in Software Engineering, placing software development within a broader engineering framework rather than a general computer science degree.
- This master's degree is designed for those who who already have a programming background.
- The combination of agile methods and Capability Maturity Model Integration exposes students to two distinct approaches to software process improvement, which are adaptive development practices and formal organizational maturity frameworks.
2 Student Reviews for Master's in Software Engineering Degrees
ASU is great and it has alot of opportunities if you know how to use them. School is tough though and challenging so you need to reach out to alot of people. The only things that I dont like is that they never call me at the right number, and there's... Read More
ASU offers a variety of classes but I feel it should offer more classes that are more geared towards professional development of necessary skills.
AI Student Review Summary: Arizona State University’s online programs appeal to students seeking flexibility, structured courses, and access to advising, tutoring, and other academic resources. Many find the platform easy to navigate and describe coursework as comparable to the university’s in-person offerings. However, the accelerated 7.5-week format can make challenging subjects difficult to absorb. Other concerns include high tuition, inconsistent instructor engagement, and reliance on pre-recorded lectures or self-directed learning. Students also report occasional problems with advising, financial aid, transfer credits, and unexpected fees.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 19,221 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 93%
The four lowest-priced programs each have a two-year average completion time, keeping their ~Total Tuition relatively aligned with their annual ranking. However, ASU 91成人 illustrates why program length is a crucial consideration. Although its $10,070 annual tuition is only $278 higher than UMGC鈥檚 in-state rate, its three-year timeline raises the estimates total tuition to ~$30,210.
Comparing completion time with annual tuition can reveal substantial differences in the full price of an online software engineering master鈥檚.
Stories Behind the Most Affordable 91成人 Master's in Software Engineering Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
Practicum Training Every Term
American National University
ANU's online M.S. in Software Development includes a Practitioner Learning Track connected to ongoing employment and requires student and supervisor attestation as part of participation. Students also complete 50 hours of practicum training each term, making professional practice a recurring component of the degree.
A 15-Month Route Through Software Engineering
University of Houston - Clear Lake
UH - Clear Lake offers one of the clearest accelerated completion plans in the ranking. Students can finish its 30-credit M.S. in Software Engineering in as little as 15 months by taking three courses per term across fall, spring, and summer. That is a notably compressed timeline for a full software engineering master鈥檚 degree.
Software Engineering Master's Without a Computing Bachelor鈥檚
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University provides one of the clearest pathways into graduate software engineering for students whose undergraduate degree is outside computing. Rather than limiting admission to applicants with a computer science, software engineering, or closely related bachelor鈥檚 degree, KSU allows students from non-computing backgrounds to enter through up to four foundation courses.
FAQs About Affordable 91成人 Master's in Software Engineering Degrees
How Much Does an 91成人 Master鈥檚 in Software Engineering Cost?
Annual in-state tuition on this ranking ranges from $6,727 to upwards of $19,000. Huge difference in cost across the affordability list above. Texas Tech offers the lowest rate, followed by North Dakota State at $7,373 and Saint Cloud State at $9,300. Because the highest-priced program costs nearly three times as much as the least expensive option, comparing total program cost can reveal substantial differences in affordability.
Software engineering programs may involve technology fees, graduation fees, digital learning charges, software licenses, cloud-computing access, and upgraded computer equipment capable of supporting development tools and virtual environments.
Additionally, some online software engineering students may also pay for professional certifications, coding platforms, or proctored exams. Program-specific policies can offset these expenses, however. For example, the University of Maryland Global Campus replaces most textbooks with no-cost digital materials, while Texas Tech allows an approved industry certificate to serve as its comprehensive evaluation.
Finally, applicants from non-computing backgrounds may also need foundation courses, which can add more time and consequently more tuition before they begin the core curriculum.
Do 91成人 Software Engineering Master鈥檚 Programs Charge Out-of-State Tuition?
Most schools on this ranking do not charge a residency premium. In fact, 13 of the 15 programs use the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state online students pursuing a software engineering master's degree online.
The two exceptions are the University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Houston - Clear Lake. These are the only schools with higher out-of-state rates, with UH - Clear Lake showing the larger difference between the two.
Which Affordable Software Engineering Programs Have the Strongest Student Recommendation Rates?
The University of Houston - Clear Lake reports the highest recommendation rate at 98%, followed by the University of Arizona at 96%. These are recommendation rates from real students who have been there and are recommending the school to peers.
Also hitting high marks are North Dakota State University and Saint Cloud State University, with each reporting 95%, while West Virginia University and Purdue University report 94%.
These figures can help students assess satisfaction alongside tuition, although they reflect broader student experiences with each institution.
Student Reviews of 91成人 Software Engineering Programs
ASU is great and it has alot of opportunities if you know how to use them. School is tough though and challenging so you need to reach out to alot of people. The only things that I dont like is that they never call me at the right number, and there's always alot going on that feels unorganized at times with the school especially advising and doing A masters program. None of the advisors talk to each other and its hard to get clear, direct information sorted out and that the professors dont really... Read More
Review Date: 6/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I can't say enough about WGU and what it has afforded me! I had two program mentors for two different degree programs(switched) and they were supportive and helpful. I ran into financial hardship and WGU expedited a hardship grant to me within a week. I am forever grateful for this school. You get out what you put in. The course work is self-guided and it filled with a ton of useful material. There are a ton of student communities that have instructors and students looking to help each other. You... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I can't say enough about WGU and what it has afforded me! I had two program mentors for two different degree programs(switched) and they were supportive and helpful. I ran into financial hardship and WGU expedited a hardship grant to me within a week. I am forever grateful for this school. You get out what you put in. The course work is self-guided and it filled with a ton of useful material. There are a ton of student communities that have instructors and students looking to help each other. You... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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鈥檓 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
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
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
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
I was looking for a school that has a strong focus on values such as ethics, community, and service. I was also looking for flexibility when it comes to attendance. On campus and online. Most importantly, I wanted to complete a well regarded program. I found all this at Regis University. I give the school 4 stars and will continue to recommend it.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The professors and the curriculum were top-notch, curated to my professional interests. The instructors also had real-world experience in the engineering profession, and I felt prepared for practical situations I might encounter. I've been employed as an SWE since I graduated.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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
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