Top 7 Free Online Software Engineering Degrees 2025

Software engineering is a branch of computer science focusing on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. Degree programs prepare students for exciting career paths leading to roles like the following:

• software engineer
• software quality engineer
• database administrator
• applications developer
• systems analyst

Are you interested in learning software engineering but want to do so online at the right price? St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota offer great online software engineering programs you might earn at no cost.

Tuition-free online colleges enable qualified enrollees to finish their programs with zero debt. Below, we'll highlight schools helping students earn a free or low-cost online software engineering degree.

Free Online Software Engineering Degree Programs

Beginning a career in software engineering often starts with earning a bachelor's degree. Explore the following list of schools to find online degrees you could earn free of charge or at a reduced cost.

1. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in software engineering for students interested in careers in software development, programming, and systems analysis. This 122-credit program explores software design, microcomputer operating systems, software project management, algorithms, information technology transformation, and more.

Minnesota residents interested in a tuition-free degree from St. Cloud State University can apply for the North Star Promise, a last-dollar program covering the balance of tuition and fees after applying grants, scholarships, waivers, and stipends. The American Indian Scholars Program offers a fee-free pathway for Minnesotans who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe.

2. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota's Crookston campus offers an online BS in software engineering that explores human computer interaction, object-oriented programming, software design and architecture, and more. Areas of emphasis include financial and e-commerce systems and network-centric systems.

Minnesota enrollees might be able to earn this degree at no cost via the Promise Plus Free Tuition Program. Eligible students from families making $50,000 or less per year can receive the funds needed to cover the full cost of tuition after federal, state, and university grants and scholarships.

3. Ferris State University

The bachelor's degree in digital media software engineering from Ferris State University teaches students to develop software applications, experiment with machine learning, and use code to solve problems. Coursework explores SENG methodologies, software data structures, and agile project management. The program is available in person and completely online.

Incoming first-year Michigan undergraduate residents who qualify for a Pell Grant and Michigan Achievement Scholarship and enroll full-time could qualify for the Ferris Pledge. Eligible students receive the full cost of tuition for up to four academic years with an option for a fifth year. Housing, food, and other education-related expenses are not covered.

4. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University offers 100% online programs in software engineering. Undergraduate enrollees interested in learning about the software development life cycle can pursue a BS in software engineering. After graduating, students could enroll in NDSU's master's degree in software engineering, or start a career in software engineering or development.

The university offers the NDSU Tuition Award Program for Pell-eligible first- and second-year students. This program covers any remaining base tuition and mandatory student fees after grants, scholarships, waivers, and other financial aid are applied. Eligible learners must be North Dakota or Minnesota residents receiving the in-state or reciprocity tuition rate with family income levels of $80,000 or less.

5. University of Michigan-Flint

University of Michigan-Flint students interested in software development careers can enroll in the BS in software engineering program, which offers face-to-face, mixed-mode, and online formats. The program's curriculum explores computer science, security fundamentals, problem-solving and programming, data structures, software testing, and software architecture.

Qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees at UM-Flint could receive the Go Blue Guarantee. This initiative provides free full undergraduate tuition and mandatory university fees to students grants, scholarships, and other financial aid have been applied. Eligibility is granted to Michigan residents pursuing their first bachelor's degree with family incomes of $65,000 or less and assets below $50,000.

6. Champlain College

Champlain College's online bachelor's degree in software development helps students strengthen their technical skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience. This program has made ranking lists celebrating the nation's best and most affordable software engineering programs. Courses explore web development (i.e., HTML), cybersecurity, software design, and operating system security.

Champlain's Pathways Scholarship could help some FAFSA-eligible students who have maintained academic success throughout high school earn this degree free of charge. Champlain also offers free tuition for regular employees with one year of full-time employment and free tuition to their dependent children and spouses after two years of full-time employment.

7. Bellevue University

The BS in software development from Bellevue University is a 100% online program ranked among the nation's best online bachelor's degrees in software engineering. The degree teaches students how to write code, evaluate software quality, and more through secure software development, advanced Python, DevOps, and server-side scripting courses.

Students eligible for Bellevue University's Nebraska Career Scholarship Opportunity (Renewable) could help reduce the cost of this degree program. Eligible first-time Bellevue undergrads who reside in Nebraska (freshmen, transfer students, continuing students) could receive up to $10,000 per year for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and more.

FAQs About Free Online Software Engineering Courses and Degrees

Software engineers are types of software developers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for software developers is projected to grow much faster than average at 17% from 2023 to 2033. You could start this career with help from online software engineering courses or a degree program. Review the following FAQs to learn more.

What Can I Expect from an Online Software Engineering Degree Program?

Online software engineering degrees provide the same high-quality academic experiences you can find through on-campus degrees. Programs vary but often teach fundamental engineering principles, systems design, data science, artificial intelligence, and programming languages like Python, Java, Javascript, CSS, and C++. Students learn to write and test code, design software systems, and more.

How Much Does an Online Software Engineering Degree Cost?

The cost of an online software engineering degree varies by school. For example, Champlain College's software development program costs $335 per credit. St. Cloud State University's online BS in software engineering costs $350 per credit. The University of Minnesota and Bellevue University's programs are similarly priced at $448 and $449 per credit, respectively.

What Are the Best Free Online Courses for Software Engineering?

In addition to earning a software engineering degree for free, you can find free software engineering courses, tutorials, and other resources online that you can often explore at your own pace. Great places to find free traditional and self-paced software engineering courses include edX, Coursera, Udemy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Harvard University.

Coding bootcamps are also great options for building software engineering skills. App Academy offers 500 hours of its Full-Time Coding Bootcamp curriculum free of charge to help students learn Javascript, Python, and more.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Begin your journey toward an exciting career in software engineering by discovering the accredited degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges directly to find out how they can help you reach your career goals.