Obtaining a degree from the cheapest software engineering schools prepares you for a career in the fast-growing information technology field. This degree equips you with the skills to influence all sectors of the digital economy, from applications on our mobile phones to Stock Exchange Euronet software.
Software engineering has earned its status as a formal field of study in academia, and university computer science departments are growing. This article examines the most affordable software engineering schools you can attend and their top programs. We’ll also take a look at the job outlook for software engineering and the best careers to pursue in this field.
What Are the Most Affordable Software Engineering Schools in the US?
The most affordable software engineering schools are Eastern Florida State College, Middle Georgia State University, and Brigham Young University-Idaho. These schools have low tuition costs and offer sufficient financial aid to ease or completely eliminate the financial burden on software engineering students.
How Much Do the Cheapest Software Engineering Schools Cost?
The cheapest software engineering schools cost between $2,400 and $28,000 per year. The actual amount you pay depends on the location of the school, the number of credits taken, and secondary costs like books and health insurance.
Cheapest Software Engineering Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are the most critical components of your cost of attending a software engineering school. Your tuition represents the direct cost of education. In contrast, the fees represent other education expenses, some of which may be optional.
- Accommodation. Most software engineering schools provide on-campus housing for a monthly or annual fee. If you do not wish to live on-campus, you will have to rent an apartment within a commutable distance from the school.
- Books. Software engineering involves a reasonable amount of studies in computer and software theory. Your program of study will present a list of recommended textbooks you must purchase and read to better understand these theories.
- Health insurance. Any school environment presents its own set of health mishaps and accidents. Most software engineering schools recommend or mandate every student to register for health insurance.
- Transportation. You will have to pay transportation fees while commuting to and from your classes. These costs increase the further you live from school, but you can reduce them by obtaining affordable on-campus housing or riding your bike to save on public transportation costs.
Why You Should Attend a Software Engineering School
You should attend a software engineering school because it will make you a well-rounded graduate with critical skills that will grant you access to software engineering positions. Moreover, most software engineering schools provide management and leadership training that prepares you for leadership and administrative positions in the information technology field.
Additionally, you can gain industry experience as a student through the internship and partner programs that software engineering schools provide. These programs provide a professional network that acquaints you with companies and enterprises that can employ you after graduation.
Best Software Engineering School Career Options
Software engineering is essential in every aspect of a digital economy. Therefore, several jobs with various titles and specifications require a software engineering degree. Some of the best software engineering jobs include software architect, software developer, and web developer.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for a software engineering degree is 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much higher than the national average and indicates that software engineers will be in demand for a long time. Due to this demand, employers are willing to pay hefty salaries for the services of a software engineering graduate.
Software Engineering Salary
According to PayScale, the average salary for a software engineering graduate is $88,696 per year. However, you can earn more than this figure depending on your level of education, employer, and level of expertise. You can also work as a consultant with multiple income sources from several employers.
Can You Attend Software Engineering School for Free?
Yes, you can attend software engineering school for free. Some of the cheapest software engineering schools offer federal or external grants that cover all education costs. In addition, many software engineering PhD programs are tuition-free and pay students stipends for their work as graduate research assistants.
You can also apply for software engineering scholarship programs like the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship which is worth $40,000. Such scholarship awards can completely offset the cost of your education, and the amount remaining will be enough to cover other expenses.
Cheapest Software Engineering Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Florida State College | $2,496 | $9,739 | 45% |
| Middle Georgia State University | $4,042 | $11,389 | 22% |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $4,416 | $4,416 | 50% |
| Utah Valley University | $6,010 | $17,092 | 38% |
| Kennesaw State University | $6,436 | $17,690 | 49% |
| Saint Cloud State University | $9,170 | $18,010 | 47% |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $9,231 | $21,528 | 51% |
| Purdue University | $9,992 | $28,794 | 83% |
| North Dakota State University | $10,601 | $15,076 | 65% |
| Colorado Technical University | $12,581 | $12,581 | 23% |
What Are the Cheapest Software Engineering Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Software Engineering School With Financial Aid
The Education Data Initiative estimates that 83.8 percent of college students receive financial aid, but public aid programs are not fully taken advantage of. Most software engineering schools include financial aid applications as part of the admissions process. Some of the financial aid options available include federal grants, school loans, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Federal Grants
The US federal government provides grants through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These grants are need-based and vary for each student based on their net income. Federal grants are free educational subsidies, and the government does not require you to repay the assistance.
Federal Loans
Federal loans are repayable financial aid options provided by the federal government. The loans are often subsidized and do not accrue interest over time, making them well-suited to students. However, depending on your cost of education, these loans often total huge sums of money that may take several years to pay off.
Private Loans
Private student loans are a form of financial aid provided by private bodies and organizations. Some colleges and universities may also issue private loans to students who require assistance. The majority of these loans are not subsidized and accumulate interest over time. Because of this, private loans should be your final resort for financial aid.
Work Study
Work-study programs allow you to work part-time while pursuing your studies as a full-time student. They are flexible and pay well enough to bear a significant portion of your school costs. You can apply for the Federal Work-Study program or your school’s private work-study program.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Software Engineering School Program
Federal financial aid in the US may be obtained through the FAFSA application. This application presents a number of hurdles students must scale through to enjoy the benefits of subsidized education. The list below outlines the steps to follow when applying for federal aid to finance your software engineering program.
- Create your Federal Student Aid ID. The application process begins with creating an FSA profile containing your ID, username, and password. If you are a dependent student, your sponsor will also need an FSA ID. You should set up your ID prior to filling out the FAFSA form to prevent errors and setbacks.
- Collect the required documents. The FAFSA requires several identification and tax information documents to determine your eligibility. You’ll need to gather these documents and make them ready to upload.
- Fill out the application form. You can begin filling out the application form through the FAFSA website or the myStudentAid mobile application. You can save your progress for future editing before the application deadline.
- Provide all necessary information. You will need to provide a list of schools to receive your information. The list should contain schools you intend to enroll in. You’ll also need to provide your parents’ financial information to determine your dependency status.
- Sign and submit your application. The FAFSA will begin to process your application immediately after you submit the form. You should sign with your FSA ID if you want your online application to be processed faster than the mail-in delivery format. Once you have submitted your application, you can not edit your details, so be sure that you have provided the correct information.
Best Software Engineering Scholarships
- ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship | Amount: N/A. The Entertainment Software Association scholarship is awarded to minority students and women in engineering or video game-related software engineering degree programs. Eligible applicants must be US citizens and enrolled in an undergraduate program.
- Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund | Amount: $5,000. This scholarship is awarded to incoming college freshmen enrolled in mathematics, engineering, or computer science programs with at least 50 percent Filipino ancestry. They must reside in California and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Generation Google Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. This scholarship is awarded to students in computer science-related degree programs in North America. Candidates should have strong academic and leadership abilities as well as financial need.
- Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship program | Amount: $40,000. This scholarship program includes a paid internship at Amazon in addition to the fund. Eligible students must be US citizens, be enrolled or planning to enroll in a computer science program, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Honeywell Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. This scholarship is awarded to female undergraduates enrolled in a four-year undergraduate engineering or computer science program. Applicants must be US citizens, members of the Society of Women Engineers, and have a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Cheapest Undergraduate Software Engineering Schools
The cheapest undergraduate software engineering schools include Eastern Florida State College, Brigham Young University-Idaho, and Utah Valley University. The following sections highlight their most affordable associate and bachelor’s software engineering-related programs.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Associate Degree Programs
- Eastern Florida State College | Associate of Science in Computer Programming and Analysis | $104/credit hour (resident); $405.76/credit hour (non-resident). This 60-credit program allows students to develop a custom learning structure and gain first-hand experience in software development. The program also enables students to transfer credits to a four-year computer science bachelor’s program.
- Brigham Young University-Idaho | Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development | $189/credit (Church of Latter-day Saint member); $378/credit (non-member). This degree prepares students for entry-level jobs in the web development space. It equips students with skills in various programming languages and frameworks needed to work in any web development track.
- Utah Valley University | Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development | $2,684/semester (resident); $8,225/semester (non-resident). This program teaches students to develop various forms of digital media that can be deployed across a wide range of devices. It includes communications topics in its curriculum so that students can learn to tailor digital content to match their audience.
- Texas State Technical College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | $11,160 total. This online program teaches students how to develop software and computer programs, allowing them to gain foundational programming skills and learn to optimize code for better performance. This program also prepares students for a four-year bachelor’s program in information technology.
- Los Angeles Mission College | Associate of Science in Full Stack Development | $46 enrollment fee/unit (resident); $282/unit (non-resident). This program equips students with the programming skills needed to design and create web applications. Students focus on integrating server-side software with client-side applications and learn how to structure databases.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Utah Valley University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | $2,684/semester (resident); $8,225/semester (non-resident). Students in this program analyze various programming languages to understand their paradigms and semantics. Students will gain proficiency in programming languages like C#, Java, Python, and JavaScript as they learn how to select the right language for a given task.
- Middle Georgia State University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | $131/credit (in-state); $484/credit (out of state). This multidisciplinary program contains social sciences, fine arts, and essential skills courses in addition to computer science core courses. It aims to produce well-rounded graduates that can apply their IT skills in any sector of the economy.
- Kennesaw State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development | $185.40/credit hour (in-state); $654.33/credit hour (out of state). This program covers every aspect of game development, including game design, programming, 2D and 3D graphics, and artificial intelligence. Students use the knowledge gained to develop various types of games and interactive media.
- Saint Cloud State University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | $341.22/credit (resident); $733.86/credit (non-resident). This program improves students’ critical thinking and interpersonal skills while educating them on critical software technology and paradigms through hands-on projects.
- Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $9,992/year (resident); $28,794/year (non-resident). This program is notable for the high employment rates of its graduates. The curriculum is designed for students to be able to work in several sectors that require computer science, including government, education, business, and healthcare.
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Software Engineering
Some of the cheapest graduate schools for software engineering offer tuition-free programs and pay graduate students a monthly stipend. Continue reading to discover the most affordable software engineering schools you can attend for your master’s or PhD degree.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering
- Middle Georgia State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | $199/credit hour (in-state); $694/credit hour (out of state). This program involves 30 credit hours of general information technology and software engineering courses. Students conclude the program with a theoretical or applied research capstone project which may be completed individually or with a team.
- Utah Valley University | Master of Computer Science | $301/credit hour (resident); $909/credit hour (non-resident). This program teaches students to utilize the latest computer technology in developing software solutions to problems. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of advanced IT subjects through electives.
- Kennesaw State University | Master of Science in Software Engineering | $296/credit (in-state/in-class); $383/credit (online). This degree is designed to be flexible for all kinds of students, including adult learners and working professionals, and features online versions of most of its courses.
- Saint Cloud University | Professional Science Master’s in Software Engineering | $497.28/credit (resident); $752.76/credit (non-resident). This program teaches students to use the latest methods and tools to design, create, and test computer programs. It also provides access to the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility, where students can engage in hands-on projects.
- North Dakota State University | Master of Science in Software Engineering | $421.39/credit (resident); $632.08/credit (non-resident). This program is tailored to both full-time students and part-time software engineers. Students learn industry-standard methods and paradigms for developing state-of-the-art software systems.
Most Affordable PhDs in Software Engineering Universities
- Kennesaw State University | PhD in Computer Science | Tuition-free (full-time students); $296 (in-state); $1,066 (non-resident). This program does not require a computer science background, as it provides foundational computer science courses. Students develop practical IT skills that can be applied to both research and non-research careers.
- The University of Texas at San Antonio | PhD in Computer Science | Tuition-free. Students in this program often work as graduate research assistants to conduct experiments and develop prototype systems. Admitted students will receive a yearly stipend of $18,000 or more as well as a full-ride scholarship.
- Purdue University | PhD in Computer Science | N/A. This program offers 11 areas of research to graduate students. The software engineering concentration is primarily focused on bug and vulnerability detection in concurrent programs and large-scale systems.
- North Dakota State University | PhD in Computer Science | $421.39/credit (resident); $632.08/credit (non-resident). Unlike most software engineering PhD programs, this research program is suitable for software engineering professionals who work part-time.
- University of Texas at Dallas | PhD in Software Engineering | $8,309/semester (resident); $15,391/semester (non-resident). This research program has a strong focus on issues plaguing complex software systems. The course structure is flexible, and students can adjust it at any time to match their developing interests.
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Software Engineering School
Choosing a good and affordable software engineering school can be a difficult task, given the numerous options available. While low tuition cost is an important factor, you have to consider your financial aid options, living expenses, graduation rate, and student-to-faculty ratio. The following section highlights the key factors to consider when choosing an affordable school.
Tuition Costs
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a cheap school to attend. Tuition represents the direct cost of your education and may be charged on a credit-hour, semester, or annual basis. You should also note that most schools stipulate higher tuition costs for out-of-state students.
Living Expenses
When searching for an affordable software engineering school, you might have to move between cities or states. You should aim for schools located in cities with moderate living and accommodation costs. Some schools provide on-campus housing that costs significantly lower than off-campus accommodations. You may want to prioritize these schools above others.
Financial Aid Options
Financial aid plays a vital role in reducing your education expenses. It is the biggest sponsor of higher education in the US and determines a school’s net price. Each school has a set of financial aid options available to its students, including grants, loans, and scholarships. You should select schools that provide sufficient aid to reduce your college financial burdens.
Online Program Options
Online schooling is an excellent method to cut down your tuition costs. Online schools typically don’t charge as much for tuition as in-person schools, and they save you money on transportation and accommodation. Moreover, software engineering is a perfectly suitable program to study online, providing the same high-quality education as on-campus programs.
Student-Faculty Ratio
When choosing the perfect software engineering school, you should consider which learning style works best for you. If you like large class sizes and don’t require one-on-one time with professors, a large school with a large student-to-faculty ratio is best. On the other hand, if you prefer smaller class environments, opt for a school with a small student-to-faculty ratio.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Software Engineering School
- Live with roommates. Paying rent for an apartment on your own can be incredibly expensive. You can save money by finding a roommate or two who can help bear some of the living expenses.
- Use your student discount. Many businesses and organizations offer discounts to students who possess a valid identity card. In addition, most paid software engineering computer applications provide a free version to students with a valid school email. You should seize these opportunities to save money on goods and services.
- Buy used textbooks. You can save money by buying used software engineering textbooks rather than new ones. If you’re lucky, you may even find a senior student willing to pass on their books for little or no cost.
- Plan your learning structure carefully. Most software engineering programs charge their tuition per credit hour. You can consult with your program advisor to develop a learning structure that excludes unnecessary courses and reduces costs as a result.
- Cook your own meals. You should cook your own meals as often as you can. Not only will you be eating healthier, but you will also save money otherwise spent on fast foods. Buying fresh groceries in bulk can drastically reduce your feeding expenses.
Cheapest Online Schools for Software Engineering
Online software engineering programs are designed for students who want an affordable, flexible, and convenient method of obtaining their degree. These programs allow you to learn at your own pace while pursuing other interests. The following sections outline the cheapest online schools for software engineering and their best undergraduate and graduate programs.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | $3,625/term | 64% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $320/credit | 39% |
| Champlain College | $328/credit | 68% |
| Bellevue University | $440/credit | 23% |
| Arizona State University | $6,984/semester (in-state); $8,119/semester (out of state) | 66% |
Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Programs
- Western Governors University | Online Bachelor of Science in Software Development |$3,625/term. This program teaches the fundamentals of computer programming, with students specializing in either Java or C# programming languages. Students learn to apply these languages to web and application development.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Software Engineering Concentration | $320/credit. This degree equips students with the computer science and engineering skills needed to develop software within time and budget constraints. They will learn about the latest innovations in software engineering by working on projects that solve real-world problems.
- Champlain College | Online Bachelor of Science in Software Development | $328/credit. This program trains students to use more than 23 programming languages, frameworks, and computer applications that are indispensable in software engineering. In addition, students develop soft skills like communication and leadership that prepares them for teamwork and collaboration in the field.
- Bellevue University | Online Bachelor of Science in Software Development | $440/credit. This program focuses on advancing computer science knowledge and skills and features an accelerated track that enables students to obtain their degrees faster. Students develop a portfolio that demonstrates their expertise in various types of programming languages, including Python and Java.
- Arizona State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | $6,984/semester; $8,119/semester (out of state). Students in this program gain fundamental knowledge of mathematics, physics, and programming. They work on projects that enhance their skills in database management, cyber security, and operating systems management.
Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Master’s Programs
- California State University, Fullerton | Online Master of Science in Software Engineering | $2,082/semester. This program is designed for working professionals looking to update their software engineering skills. Students in this program learn about industry-standard models for software development, such as the Agile project management framework.
- Arizona State University | Online Master of Science in Engineering in Software Engineering | $8,804/semester. This program prepares students for leadership roles in the software engineering field. It examines the advanced tools, techniques, and principles needed to manage the design and development of a software project effectively.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Online Master of Science in Information Technology | $627/credit. This program provides seven concentration options, including software application development and web development. This degree requires students to complete 36 credits, but they may transfer up to 12 credits from the undergraduate degree, thereby reducing tuition costs.
- Champlain College | Online Master of Science in Information Technology with Software Engineering and Project Management | $795/credit. This program is designed for online students from various computer science and information technology backgrounds. The curriculum specializes in applying project management skills to design, develop, and specify quality software products.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake | Online Master of Science in Software Engineering | $9,798/year (resident); $19,078/year (non-resident). This program provides managerial training to working students who want to expand their technical skills. The curriculum contains software engineering fundamentals courses that prepare students for careers in healthcare, finance, and government.
Will Attending an Online Software Engineering School Save Me Money?
Yes, an online software engineering school will save you money. Attending an online school means you don’t have to relocate or pay for on-campus accommodations. In addition, you will save a lot of money spent on commuting to school. Online programs are also generally cheaper than their in-person counterparts because they don’t require as many learning facilities.
Benefits of Online Software Engineering Programs
- Flexibility. An online degree in software engineering allows you to tailor the curriculum to your strengths and interests. An asynchronous online program enables you to learn at your own pace by providing the learning materials 24/7.
- Broad education opportunities. Online software engineering programs help you overcome distance and language barriers to education. Through an online learning platform, you can obtain a degree from colleges in distant locations without ever having to leave your home.
- Lower education costs. Online software engineering programs help reduce your attendance costs by eliminating the need for accommodation or transportation to school. You can also obtain digital copies of learning materials without needing to purchase physical books, which are often less expensive.
- Networking opportunities. One might argue that online learning reduces physical interactions and, consequently, networking opportunities. However, online programs can connect you with a larger social group than physical classes. Online programs support more students per program and introduce a rich social experience to education.
- Increased instructor attention. Online classes provide a direct channel to your instructor for guidance and additional explanation of course topics. In this regard, you can have direct conversations with your teachers without distraction from other students.
Highest-Paying Software Engineering Careers
| Software Engineering Job | Software Engineering Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $159,010 |
| Software Architect | Bachelor’s Degree | $129,027 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | $110,140 |
| Computer System Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | $99,270 |
| Web Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | $77,200 |
Best Software Engineering Jobs Explained
The best software engineering jobs include computer and IT systems manager, software architect, software developer, web developer, and computer system analyst positions. The following list explains the specifications and responsibilities of these jobs.
Software Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Software Engineering Schools
We chose the most affordable software engineering colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Software Engineering
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Cheapest Software Engineering Schools FAQ
No, you do not need a degree to get a software engineering job. However, most employers require some form of certification, which you can obtain from some of the best coding bootcamps. You should note that a software engineering degree improves your chances of landing a lucrative job and is often required for career advancement.
No, software engineering is not difficult to learn. Most software engineering programs feature foundational courses designed for students without a computer science background. However, like any college program, software engineering requires dedication and attention. You can employ online resources to guide you on how to become a software engineer.
It takes between two and four years to obtain a software engineering degree. The exact time you spend getting your degree depends on the type of program, level of education, and course structure. Most software engineering bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete, but you can apply for an accelerated track and finish your program in a shorter period.
No, software engineering is not the same as software development. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, their job-specific meanings are quite different. Software engineering is largely considered a superset of software development. As such, software engineers are not just concerned with the software but also consider its deployment environment.
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