Software engineering blends coding and computer programming essentials with the principles of engineering. A software engineering degree trains students in programming languages, software design and development, and information systems technology, while emphasizing how to design, build, and integrate software into systems and networks.
Software engineering programs also build communication, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. With a software engineering degree, students learn the skills to work in software development, network engineering, system security engineering, and software project management.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in computer and information technology occupations to 2030. To find out how to get into this expanding field, check out these rankings of the best online software engineering degrees below.
The best online bachelor’s in software engineering degrees
We used ZDNet’s ranking methodology to assess online software engineering degrees based on curricula, convenience, cost, and overall outcome. By exploring the best online software degrees, you can find the program that best meets your needs and overall goals.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
About the program: FIU’s online computer engineering degree includes 128 credit hours of coursework. Within the curriculum, students complete coursework in concentrations such as data system software and embedded system software.
Acceptance rate: 58%
Graduation rate: 64%
Avg. annual net price: $7,296
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 1100-1280
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
About the program: Penn State World Campus’s online bachelor’s degree in software engineering integrates 126 credit hours of general education, major, technical elective coursework.
Acceptance rate:76%
Graduation rate: 73%
Avg. annual net price: $27,372
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 1070-1310
Minimum GPA: 2.7
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
3. Oregon State University
Corvalis, Oregon
About the program: Within OSU’s 180-credit-hour online degree in computer science, students can pursue a specialization in applied computer science. Software engineering coursework is worked into the curriculum.
Acceptance rate: 82%
Graduation rate: 64%
Avg. annual net price: $20,016
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 1080-1320
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Enrollment periods per year: Four
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
4. St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, Minnesota
About the program: SCSU’s software engineering degree is the only one in the discipline offered in the Minnesota State system. The online option serves as a degree-completion program.
Acceptance rate: 90%
Graduation rate: 46%
Avg. annual net price: $14,267
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 934-1194
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Enrollment periods per year: Two
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: St. Cloud State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
About the program: WGU’s online software development bachelor’s degree incorporates certification options for credentials offered by CompTIA and ITIL®. Applicants benefit from WGU’s generous credit transfer policy.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
Graduation rate: 49%
Avg. annual net price: $9,805
Years to completion: Three
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
6. Arizona State University at SkySong
Scottsdale, Arizona
About the program: ASU’s online bachelor’s degree in software engineering emphasizes project-focused learning. Students complete a project each semester as part of the program.
Acceptance rate: 64%
Graduation rate: 54%
Avg. annual net price: $13,971
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Arizona State University at SkySong is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
7. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
About the program: SNHU’s online computer science bachelor’s degree with a concentration in software engineering emphasizes software design and development techniques alongside code security trends in systems architecture.
Acceptance rate: 88%
Graduation rate: 47%
Avg. annual net price: $41,095
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
8. Champlain College
Burlington, Vermont
About the program: As part of Champlain’s online bachelor’s degree in software development, students can pursue specialized certificates in C++ programming or software development.
Acceptance rate: 85%
Graduation rate: 61%
Avg. annual net price: $33,561
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 1110-1320
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Champlain College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
9. Husson University
Bangor, Maine
About the program: Husson’s online bachelor’s degree in integrated technology in software development includes software, business, and advanced mathematics courses alongside an information systems internship.
Acceptance rate: 85%
Graduation rate: 59%
Avg. annual net price: $18,286
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 960-1140
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Husson University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
10. Limestone University
Gaffney, South Carolina
About the program: Limestone’s online computer science degree in programming builds foundational knowledge of programming, systems administration, security, and architecture.
Acceptance rate: 51%
Graduation rate: 48%
Avg. annual net price: $22,707
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: 970-1160
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Six
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Limestone University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
11. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
About the program: Saint Leo’s online software engineering bachelor’s degree combines fundamental and theoretical information with practical understanding of software design techniques and technologies.
Acceptance rate: 72%
Graduation rate: 43%
Avg. annual net price: $18,869
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Six
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association on Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
12. Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
About the program: Within Davenport’s online computer information systems bachelor’s degree, students can specialize in secure software development, programming, or web and mobile development.
Acceptance rate: 82%
Graduation rate: 27%
Avg. annual net price: $16,098
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Three
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Davenport University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
13. Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
About the program: Designed as an accelerated cohort program, BU’s online bachelor’s in software development requires 36 credit hours of major coursework.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
Graduation rate: 46%
Avg. annual net price: $15,616
Years to completion: Two
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: One
Course delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
14. Hodges University
Naples, Florida
About the program: Hodges’s online software development bachelor’s degree emphasizes programming languages, security essentials, and software development across technological platforms.
Acceptance rate: 61%
Graduation rate: 33%
Avg. annual net price: $21,577
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: NOt publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Not publicly available
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Hodges University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
15. Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
About the program: As part of Baker’s online bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in computer programming, students complete a150-hour practical work experience requirement.
Acceptance rate: 73%
Graduation rate: 23%
Avg. annual net price: $15,049
Years to completion: Four
SAT range: Not publicly available
Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Baker College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Insights from a software engineering graduate
Anthony Girolamo leads the product and engineering organization at Flexe. His teams are responsible for the development of the Flexe Logistics Platform. Prior to joining Flexe, Anthony spent nine years at Amazon as a senior technical leader of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and Supply Chain Optimization Technologies. He also held senior software engineering positions at Microsoft, and received both his BSE and MSE in computer science at the University of Michigan.
ZDNet: What are the most rewarding aspects of your career? What are the most challenging aspects of your career?
Anthony Girolamo: I currently lead product and engineering teams at Flexe, a Seattle based technology company that delivers…