10 Most Affordable MS/MBA Dual Degree Programs in 2025

Whether you're already working in computer science or looking to make a career change, a master's degree in software engineering can help you reach your career goals. Maybe you'd like to know more about this type of degree and find out about affordable software engineering programs.

Keep reading as we explore some top schools offering cheap online master's in software engineering. We also talk about what to expect from this type of master's program and answer some questions you may be asking.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Software Engineering?

An online master's in software engineering is an advanced computer science degree. It is designed to build on a student's existing knowledge and education of designing, creating, testing, and troubleshooting software systems.

Students learn advanced skills in computer engineering and programming, cloud computing, software architecture, and more as part of this type of degree. Most programs comprise 30 to 48 credit hours and take anywhere from two to four years to complete.

Online degree programs provide a great degree of flexibility ideal for working professionals. Students in online software engineering programs can study full-time or part-time, often on their own schedules, allowing them to explore career opportunities while continuing to work in their current roles.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Software Engineering Cost?

Degrees in software development and engineering can vary widely in cost depending on the school you attend. Students pursuing a master's in software development online often pay lower tuition rates than on-campus students, and public schools often charge lower rates than private schools, though there are exceptions to these rules. Costs can also be reduced with scholarships and grants.

It's not uncommon for some colleges and universities to charge $1,000 per credit hour or more for a software engineering degree. Among the schools featured in this article, rates are much cheaper, ranging from around $247 to $659 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Master's in Software Engineering and Development Programs

If you have a bachelor's degree and are ready to enroll in an affordable software development master's degree, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top schools in the U.S. offering some of the most affordable online programs available.

1. University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia is a public school in Carrollton, GA. It offers a Master of Science in computer science with several concentrations, including one in software engineering.

This program teaches foundational methodologies of engineering computer systems while also providing a broader foundation in other computer science fields. Students can complete the program online or in-person, regardless of their educational or professional background.

• Estimated tuition cost: $247 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for grants, scholarships, and federal aid such as work study and student loans.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Universities (SACSCOC)

2. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is another affordable public school in Georgia. Located in Macon, it offers various online programs, including a Master of Science in information technology with a concentration in software development.

Students learn essential skills in software engineering from an IT perspective, enabling them to pursue careers in this important field. The program consists of 30 credit hours, all of which can be completed online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $261 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Various state and federal aid programs and scholarships are available to help students pay for school.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is another top public school in Georgia; it is located in Statesboro. It provides an MS in computer science with four specializations, one of which is software engineering.

Students can complete this degree on campus, entirely online, or in a hybrid format. It consists of 30 credit hours and helps students develop real-world skills through a thesis or applied research project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $284 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school accepts federal and state aid and offers a variety of scholarships to cover educational costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public school in Greenville, NC. Learners at this school can pursue an online Master of Science in software engineering.

Students can complete this in-demand degree online or in-person, and it offers specializations ideal for both current software professionals and career changers. Students choose between a research project and a thesis to gain hands-on experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $304.84 to $1,071.84 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can pursue federal aid and scholarships, and various graduate assistantships and employment opportunities are also available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield is a public school belonging to the University of Illinois System. Students can complete an online master's degree in computer science and have the opportunity to complete a ''core area'' in software engineering and algorithms.

The program covers a range of software computing and testing topics and culminates in a capstone project. It comprises 32 credit hours and offers three yearly start dates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $339 to $702.25 per credit hour
• Financial aid: About 80% of students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment options.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola, FL. This public university features a computer science MS with a concentration in software engineering.

Students choose a thesis or research project as part of this program. Courses are available online and in-person, with online learners having the opportunity to attend live lectures via videoconferencing technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $377.60 to $1,037.24 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students often receive scholarships, grants, military benefits, and federal aid to cover expenses, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is another public school in Georgia. It consists of two campuses in the Atlanta region and offers various online degrees, including an MS in software engineering.

The program features numerous study options so students can tailor it to their needs. Various internships and co-op opportunities are available to learners in the program, which takes one to two years to complete and comprises 30 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $393 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Many scholarships are available along with state and federal programs to help students pay for school.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is a public school in Fargo, ND. It offers a Master of Software Engineering that learners can complete online.

Students take a blend of core courses and electives focused on software engineering topics, providing a deep dive into the subject. Students can enter the program in the fall or spring semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $491.56 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides various scholarships and assistantships and accepts various forms of outside financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public online university headquartered in Adelphi, MD. It specializes in flexible and affordable online degrees, one of which is a Master of Science in IT with a concentration in software engineering.

This program is designed for current software engineering professionals looking to advance their careers. It offers cutting-edge coursework in a convenient online format to help students gain marketable skills on their schedules.

• Estimated tuition cost: $544 to $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships through the school and other organizations, and federal financial aid can further reduce costs. Military students receive tuition discounts.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school enrolling a large body of online learners. It offers both a Master of Science in IT with a software application development concentration and a Master of Science in computer science with a software engineering concentration.

Both of these programs prepare students for specialized career paths in the tech industry. Learners benefit from flexible 10-week course sessions, frequent start dates, and flexible study schedules as part of these programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal aid, military discounts, employer benefits, and more can be used to help students afford their degree.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

We endeavor to choose only the best schools when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the software engineering graduate programs featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body.
• Affordability: All of the schools feature affordable tuition rates under $700 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: All of the schools are known for providing high-quality in-person and online learning opportunities.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Software Engineering Degree

When you enroll in a master's in software engineering online, you can expect challenging coursework delivered in a flexible, convenient format. Depending on your specific program, the coursework may be synchronous, asynchronous, or a combination of both. Some programs may require in-person components, such as internships or practicums, while others can be completed entirely online.

Coursework may cover many topics, such as software project management, wireless networks, and data mining. Some programs may offer concentrations in areas like artificial intelligence, technology leadership, and software development.

Online master's in software development are similar programs to master's in software engineering ?often leading to the same career opportunities. Both types of programs prepare students for advanced roles in tech fields and enable them to pursue leadership positions within their companies.

FAQs About Low-Cost Master's in Software Development and Engineering Degrees

If you still have questions about earning an affordable master's in software engineering, you're not alone. Keep reading as we explore answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is an Online Master's in Software Engineering Worth It?

Earning an online software engineering master's can be well worth the time and money you put into it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software engineering professionals are in high demand and often earn lucrative salaries for their expertise. By earning a master's degree in the field, you can pursue advanced or specialized positions and leadership roles, potentially increasing your salary prospects and overall value even more.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Software Engineering Degree?

There are various software engineering careers you can pursue with a master's degree in the field. Some of the options include:

• software developer
• data scientist
• computer and information systems manager
• information security analyst
• computer and information research scientist

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Software Engineering Online?

Software engineering master's programs typically take about two to four years to complete, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time. Some schools offer self-paced or accelerated programs that make it possible to graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months.

How Much Can You Make With a Software Engineering Master's?

Average salaries vary depending on factors like your specific job title, education level, years of experience, and even your geographic location. According to the BLS, national average salaries for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are $131,450 per year.

Computer and information research scientists earn average salaries of $140,910 per year, and computer and information systems managers earn an average of $171,200 per year.

Discover Online Software Engineering Degrees

If you're ready to start or continue your career in software engineering, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges for more information on their programs and admission requirements.