Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Find affordable software engineering programs that are offered online for a good price and great value.

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With the advances in the Internet over the past years, some predicted that a ceiling has been reached in software development. However, this is not the case. According to the U.S News & World Report, Software Developer is the #1 Best Job in America! Software developers are the creative mind behind the devices and apps we use as a matter of course every day. With increased demand comes comfortable wages - the annual median pay for software developers was $93,350. In such a dynamic field of work with almost unlimited scope it is not surprising that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a much faster than average growth of 22% in job outlook over the next 10 years.

Methodology

Many colleges offer degrees in software development, and being that this field is especially conducive to online study, we have compiled a list of schools that offer this degree 100% online. In addition, these schools have been shortlisted for their competitive tuition rates (according to information from U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator database) without compromising on their reputation and accreditations. Public schools' tuition has been calculated by averaging in-state and out-of-state rates. Whether you are a professional looking to advance your career or a motivated student on the fast track, these schools are sure to help you script your career program. Schools are presented here in ascending order of tuition, with the least expensive listed first.

Note: This article may contain sponsored links. These are designed to help you connect with programs easily.

Cheap Online Software and Systems Engineering Degree Program Ranking

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

#1 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Nationally ranked and accredited WGU offers a degree in Software Development covering courses in IT fundamentals, web development, systems operation, and data management as part of its comprehensive B.S.-I.T. program. Major industry certifications such as CompTIA+ and Oracle are included in the degree, as are credits for prior work experience, making it a much sought after and affordable program for working professionals. Tuition is charged at a semester flat rate rather than per course so diligence and motivation to finish early are not only encouraged but monetarily rewarded. Fast Company rated WGU as one of the Most Innovative companies, while CNN called it "a school without boundaries." 98% of employers are so satisfied with their WGU hires that they would do it again; will you be one of them?

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Eastern Florida State College

  • Cocoa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

EFSC offers a BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science) degree in Program & Software Development at its various FL campuses, online or in a blended form for maximum flexibility for its working students. Concentrations in network systems, software development and project management prepare graduates for careers in business and technical industries. The school's commitment to providing quality, affordable education is evident in a low tuition rate that has seen no increase in the last 3 years. Following its status change from a community to a state college, EFSC has also recently renewed its regional accreditation until 2024.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,892
Out-of-state
$7,573
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
13,937
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bellevue University, HLC and NCACS accredited, offers its B.S. in Software Development in 100% online or blended classroom formats. A technically sound curriculum that covers the fundamentals of Java, information security, object analysis, and data management aims to prepare students for dynamic careers such as System Analyst, IT Planning Specialist, Programmer, and Risk Analyst, among others. Career services such as internship placements and job fairs have resulted in graduate employment in prestigious companies like HP, USPS, Fedex, and more. Competitive tuition rates are further complemented by financial aid available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work study options. Ranked 18th out of 1,000 by U.S. News in the "Best Online Bachelor's Degrees" category, Bellevue may be your ticket to success in this rapidly growing industry. Bellevue University also makes our list of Top 10 Cheap Online Corrections Management Degree Programs (Bachelor's) 2019.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$10,710
Retention Rate
51%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
13,059
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online

A regionally accredited member of the University system of MD, UMUC offers an online bachelor's degree with a major in Software Development and Security that helps students prepare for or advance their career in programming and application security. A rigorous curriculum combines required courses in modern programming languages with practical electives. UMUC is the largest public university in the nation, ranked 2nd for the best online course options and 21st for the most flexible curriculums. Tuition rates are affordable; financial aid and several military/veteran benefits are available. The school's career services are sponsored by several employer sponsors — industry leaders like Radius Technology - who hold a strong interest in hiring UMUC graduates.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,200
Out-of-state
$11,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,640
Out-of-state
$11,862
Retention Rate
55%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
58,526
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Colorado Technical University

  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Colorado Tech offers a B.S.-I.T. degree with a specialization in Software Systems Engineering that prepares graduates for careers in information system management, security analysis, application development, and more. With an award-winning, proprietary education technology, Intellipath, which allows students to access courses on their smartphone app, and 24/7 tutoring services available for some courses, CTU tailors your education to suit your life as well as your learning goals. Financial aid is available; motivated professional applicants can save 30% more by passing CTU's Fast Track program modules at no extra cost on their way to earning a quicker and more affordable degree. Current students rate their academic experience highly - always a worthy criterion for determining which school is right for you.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,934
Out-of-state
$11,934
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,785
Out-of-state
$13,785
Retention Rate
48%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
28,244
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Herzing University

  • Madison, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs" for the second year running, Herzing's Software Development degree offers two specialties: computer applications and computer systems. An impressive job placement rate of 75% ensures ample work opportunities in companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500s. Financing for students is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans, and for motivated students the university works to complete their studies in a shorter time frame for additional savings. Student testimonials acknowledge the university's commitment to quality education, as do the prize-winning alumni developers at the top of their chosen careers.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
2,392
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

American InterContinental University

  • Chandler, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online

Highly rated for its online courses by an overwhelming majority of its current students, AIU offers a Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) with a concentration in Software Analysis and Development, which covers E-commerce development and software programming for mobile devices, among other topics. With help from AIU's Career Advantage Program (CAP), which includes a CareerBuilder partnership and networks with corporate partners, you will be well on your way to a gainful career in systems analysis and software development. Financial aid opportunities abound: 93% of all applicants receive aid in the form of federal, institutional or state grants. Personal attention, adaptive, flexible content, and an HLC accreditation all point towards a school that takes its responsibility seriously.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,121
Out-of-state
$11,121
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,321
Out-of-state
$12,321
Retention Rate
28%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
15,415
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Strayer University

  • Arlington, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Strayer University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Software Development program. Earning a degree in this program can give you the skills and direction to design, test and develop software. You’ll discover how to support an organization’s software systems and create the tools they need to perform critical business functions.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,940
Out-of-state
$14,940
Retention Rate
43%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,797
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Campus

If an experiential learning program with project-driven, flexible education is what you're looking for, look no further than ASU's B.S.-Software Engineering. Students complete projects in every semester of the program, so much of the coursework in leadership, critical thinking, and management is learnt through hands-on activities. The university has a prominent social media presence, so online students are as much a part of a thriving community as campus graduates. Several financial aid options that do not require repayment are available, including work-study and hourly employment. U.S. News & World Report ranks ASU in the "top tier" of US universities, while Forbes considers it among America's best colleges. A quality education from Strayer has enabled 90% of recent graduates to find employment at leading companies such as Quicken Loans and Wells Fargo.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Related articles:

Sources:

College Navigator
College Prowler
U.S. News and World Report - Best Jobs
Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author:
Iris Stone got her start in the industry when she began working as a freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers. Check out her Google+ profile.

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