Top 9 Free Online Software Engineering Degrees 2027

Software engineers build the applications and systems behind everything from banking to video games, and employers in nearly every industry hire them. A bachelor's degree is the usual way in, and because the work happens on a computer, software engineering is one of the easier technical fields to study online.

Ahead, you'll find strategies for lowering your costs, nine online programs at accessible prices, and typical costs, timelines, and career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to compare your options and choose the path that suits your schedule and budget.

Disclaimer: The schools advertised on Learn.org do not guarantee free tuition. Tuition-free programs do not always mean zero cost to attend. In some cases, eligibility for low-cost college education is limited by state residency, income thresholds, employer partnerships, or other requirements. Always verify with the individual school or program to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may still be responsible for.

Are There Free Online Software Engineering Degrees?

No, an accredited software engineering degree is not free for everyone. Every university charges tuition and fees, and you'll also pay for a reliable computer, software, and course materials.

Even so, you can bring the price down a great deal. Some states cover remaining tuition for eligible residents, a few universities use flat-rate or accelerated formats that reward steady progress, and generous transfer policies let you apply credits you've already earned. Combined with grants, scholarships, and employer support, these options can reduce your costs to a small fraction of the sticker price.

What "Free" Really Means for an Online Software Engineering Degree

When a program is described as free, it usually means grants, scholarships, or a state guarantee covers tuition for students who meet certain conditions. Those conditions often include residency, income limits, and enrollment in an eligible public institution, and fees, books, and equipment typically remain your responsibility.

Software engineering has a lighter equipment burden than lab-based fields, but the details still matter. Some programs require specific software or hardware, and many tuition guarantees apply only to residents or to students who enroll full time. Confirming the rules before you apply keeps you from counting on money you may not qualify for.

Ways to Make an Online Software Engineering Degree Low-Cost

Students who pay the least usually combine several strategies. The options below matter most for software engineering students.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens the door to Pell Grants, work-study, and many state and school awards. Last-dollar programs often require it, since they calculate your award after other grants are applied.

File early each year, because some funds are limited. Online students at accredited schools qualify for the same federal aid as students on campus.

Look for State Last-Dollar and Tuition Guarantee Programs

Some states and universities cover remaining tuition for eligible residents. Minnesota's North Star Promise, for example, offers a tuition-free path for eligible residents attending Minnesota public institutions, and the University of Michigan-Flint considers admitted students for its Go Blue Guarantee.

Rules differ by program, and most require residency, a minimum income level, and sometimes full-time enrollment. Check with each financial aid office to confirm that online students qualify.

Use Flat-Rate, Accelerated, or Competency-Based Formats

Some universities charge a flat rate per term, which rewards you for moving quickly, while others offer accelerated seven-week courses that let you finish more courses per year. Competency-based programs let you advance as soon as you can show you've mastered the material.

If you already have programming experience, these formats can shorten your path and lower your total cost. Compare how each program prices a term or course, and think about how much time you can realistically commit.

Transfer Credits and Prior Learning

Credits from an associate degree, earlier college coursework, or approved exams can count toward your bachelor's degree. St. Cloud State, for example, accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and Ferris State partners with Grand Rapids Community College to help students complete the degree affordably.

Request a transfer evaluation before you apply, and ask how the school treats technical or programming credits. A few emails can save you a semester or more of tuition.

Use Employer Tuition Assistance

Technology companies, financial institutions, and other employers often reimburse tuition for employees who build technical skills. Under federal tax rules, employers can generally provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance without it counting as taxable income to you.

Ask your human resources department about eligible programs, reimbursement timing, and any commitment to stay after you graduate. Online programs designed for working adults pair well with this benefit.

Apply for Scholarships and Use Military Benefits

Universities, technology organizations, and foundations offer scholarships, and some are aimed at students pursuing computing careers. Veterans and service members may also use the GI Bill or military tuition assistance toward an accredited program.

Many schools have veteran services offices that can explain how benefits apply. Confirm that your online program is approved for the benefits you plan to use.

Low-Cost Online Colleges With Software Engineering Degrees

The schools below offer online bachelor's degrees in software engineering or closely related software development programs at accessible prices. Program names and formats differ, so read each description carefully and confirm the details with the school.

1. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University's online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering totals 122 credits and gives you experience with the software life cycle, engineering tools, and database management. Courses run in accelerated seven-week blocks with multiple start dates, which helps you keep a steady pace while working.

You can transfer up to 90 credits, and Minnesota residents may qualify for the North Star Promise, which the university reviews automatically after you submit your FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application. St. Cloud State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University suits you if you'd like to move at your own pace. Its online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is competency-based and covers full-stack development, cloud services, APIs, software security, quality assurance, and Agile and DevOps workflows.

WGU is a nonprofit university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and it charges a flat rate per term, so finishing sooner can lower your total cost. If you want a graduate degree, an accelerated pathway lets you earn a bachelor's and a master's in software engineering with fewer total courses.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering through its Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The program emphasizes project-driven learning, project leadership, and software construction, so you build a portfolio as you go.

ASU is accredited by HLC, and its online diplomas don't indicate whether you earned your degree online or in person. If you're comparing it with a computer science degree, review the curriculum closely to confirm which focus fits your goals.

4. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University offers its Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering entirely online, covering the software development life cycle from planning through delivery. NDSU also offers an online master's in software engineering, so you can continue your studies without changing schools.

The university is a land-grant research university in Fargo that positions its online degrees as an affordable option for students anywhere. NDSU is accredited by HLC, and online students can ask the financial aid office about current scholarships and tuition awards.

5. University of Minnesota Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston delivers its Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering 100% online and asynchronously, so you can study when your schedule allows. The program combines software engineering theory with applied projects, and topics include human-computer interaction, object-oriented programming, and software design and architecture.

Crookston advertises more than $1 million in scholarship opportunities for new and returning students, so it's worth exploring awards early. The university is accredited by HLC.

6. Ferris State University

Ferris State University's online Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Software Engineering focuses on developing application engineers who design, build, and maintain software for end users. Courses cover requirements management, configuration management, quality assurance, and software architecture, with options in game design and machine learning engineering.

Ferris has offered the program online since 2019 and builds its courses specifically for the web. Admission requires a combined college GPA of at least 2.0, and Ferris is accredited by HLC.

7. University of Michigan-Flint

The University of Michigan-Flint offers its Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering in face-to-face, mixed-mode, and online formats, so you can choose the delivery style that fits your life. The curriculum covers computer science fundamentals, security, problem-solving and programming, data structures, software testing, and software architecture.

Admitted students are automatically considered for the Go Blue Guarantee, which provides free tuition for eligible Michigan residents from lower-income households. UM-Flint is accredited by HLC.

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Development and Security, a close cousin of software engineering that adds a focus on secure applications. You'll take introductory, intermediate, and cloud programming courses, build secure applications in Python, and finish with a collaborative capstone project.

All courses are available online, with select hybrid options, and the degree includes room for a minor and electives. UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

9. Bellevue University

Bellevue University's online Bachelor of Science in Software Development is a cohort-based major that builds skills in Python, DevOps tools, and agile development with secure coding practices. A capstone-style Java project has you promote software through development, QA, and production environments, which mirrors real workplace practice.

Bellevue is a private nonprofit university that welcomes transfer credit, including entire associate degrees, so compare your net price after aid with public options. It's accredited by HLC.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Because software engineering programs vary in title and focus, curriculum content, transfer flexibility, and delivery format also shape the order.

Programs that clearly describe their coursework, accept transfer credit generously, and keep costs low for online students rank higher than those with limited transparency. Four criteria guide each placement:

• Accreditation: Regionally accredited institutions are the only ones considered, which protects your financial aid eligibility and the transferability of your credits.
• Affordability and financial aid: Per-credit costs, flat-rate or accelerated pricing, state tuition programs, and transfer-friendly policies all shape a school's standing.
• Online availability: Programs must deliver the major coursework online, with flexible start dates or asynchronous formats.
• Student outcomes: College Scorecard data on graduation rates and post-enrollment earnings offers insight into how students fare after they enroll.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does an Online Software Engineering Degree Cost?

Many public universities charge roughly $200 to $700 per credit hour for online undergraduate courses, which works out to about $24,000 to $84,000 in tuition for a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Programs that require 122 or 125 credits cost slightly more, and private schools and some out-of-state rates run higher.

Flat-rate formats, such as Western Governors University's per-term pricing, can lower the total if you move quickly. Your actual cost depends on transfer credits, residency, and fees, while grants, state guarantees, and employer assistance can offset a large share of tuition for eligible students.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Software Engineering Degree Online?

A bachelor's degree in software engineering typically takes about four years of full-time study, since it requires roughly 120 to 125 credits. Accelerated formats, such as seven-week courses, make it easier to complete more courses each year.

If you already have an associate degree or substantial transfer credit, you may finish in about two years. Competency-based programs can shorten the timeline further for students with programming experience, while part-time students who work full time should expect to take longer.

How To Choose the Right Low-Cost Software Engineering Degree

Price matters, but curriculum, format, and transfer policies can matter more. Weigh the criteria below before you apply.

• Accreditation: Regional accreditation protects your financial aid and credit transfer, and ABET accreditation, where it exists, can matter to certain employers and graduate programs.
• Degree focus: Programs range from software engineering and software development to secure development, so match the curriculum to the work you want to do.
• Skills and tools taught: Look for current languages, cloud platforms, DevOps practices, and testing methods that employers use.
• Format and pace: Asynchronous courses, accelerated terms, and competency-based options each suit different schedules and learning styles.
• Transfer and prior-credit policies: Generous policies for transfer credit can cut both cost and time substantially.
• Residency and aid rules: State tuition programs usually apply only to residents, so confirm eligibility for both admission and funding.
• Graduate pathways: If you may pursue a master's degree later, look for schools that offer one online or accelerated bachelor's-to-master's options.

Career Outlook With an Online Software Engineering Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers earn a median annual wage of $135,980, and software quality assurance analysts and testers earn $104,300. Employment across these occupations is projected to grow 10% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 106,100 openings each year.

These workers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, and some employers prefer a master's degree for certain developer roles. Software engineering graduates also move into related roles, such as computer systems analysts, who typically enter with a bachelor's degree and earn a median annual wage of $105,850. Internships and a strong project portfolio can improve your prospects.

FAQs About Free Online Software Engineering Degree Programs

The answers below cover common concerns about free learning options and what they mean for your path into the field. They'll help you set realistic expectations as you compare programs.

Are There Free Online Software Engineering Courses?

Yes, many free courses are available online. Platforms such as Coursera and edX often let you audit programming and computer science courses at no charge, and free learning sites such as freeCodeCamp and The Odin Project teach web and software development skills at your own pace. These resources can help you build a portfolio or test your interest, but they don't carry degree credit.

Are There Free Online Software Engineering Certificates?

Some platforms offer free certificates of completion, and a few learning sites offer free certifications tied to completed projects. A certificate can show initiative on your resume, but it isn't a substitute for an accredited degree. If you want a credential with academic weight, look for a certificate from an accredited school that can later count toward a degree.

Is a Free Online Software Engineering Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers focus on whether your school is accredited and whether you can demonstrate real skills, not on how you paid for your degree. A software engineering degree from an accredited university carries the same value online as it does on campus, and some schools, such as ASU, don't note the online format on the diploma. Internships, projects, and a public code portfolio can strengthen your credentials further.

Do I Need a Degree To Become a Software Engineer?

Not always, but a degree helps. The BLS notes that software developers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, though some people enter through self-study or coding bootcamps and build a portfolio to prove their skills. A degree can open more doors, particularly at larger employers and for roles that require a bachelor's degree.

What Is the Difference Between Software Engineering and Computer Science?

Computer science tends to focus on theory, algorithms, and how computing systems work, while software engineering applies engineering principles to designing, building, testing, and maintaining software. Many programs overlap, and careers in both fields often lead to similar jobs. Review each program's curriculum to see how much emphasis falls on theory versus project work and software development practices.

Find Affordable Online Software Engineering Programs

Learn.org brings online software engineering programs together in one place so you can compare costs, formats, and aid options side by side. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admission requirements, transfer credit, and financial aid.