Discover the best value software engineering programs that deliver quality education without breaking the bank. Ranked by our Value Score algorithm that balances academic quality with affordability.
$3,930/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #1 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (67.8/100): 46% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $3,930 in-state tuition, 11 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$4,004/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #2 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (64/100): 43% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,004 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$4,191/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #3 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (79.1/100): 57% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,191 in-state tuition, 64 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$4,452/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #4 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (71.3/100): 63% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,452 in-state tuition, 9 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$4,560/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #5 among online software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (76.8/100): 52% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $4,560 in-state tuition, 88 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$5,024/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #6 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (80.8/100): 49% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $5,024 in-state tuition, 53 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$5,434/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #7 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (65.9/100): 38% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $5,434 in-state tuition, 8 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$5,818/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #8 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (73.1/100): 45% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $5,818 in-state tuition, 32 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$6,084/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #9 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.4/100): 86% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $6,084 in-state tuition, 37 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$6,084/yr in-state — among the most affordable
Ranked #10 among software engineering bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (82.7/100): 69% graduation rate, $135,980 median salary, $6,084 in-state tuition, 156 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Hakia ranks Snow College's bachelor's software engineering program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ephraim, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,930/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 67.8
Hakia ranks Ensign College's bachelor's software engineering program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $4,004/year | Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 64.0
Hakia ranks Florida Gulf Coast University's bachelor's software engineering program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Fort Myers, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,191/year | Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 79.1
Hakia ranks East Carolina University's bachelor's software engineering program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Greenville, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,452/year | Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 71.3
Hakia ranks Kennesaw State University's online bachelor's software engineering program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Kennesaw, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,560/year | Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 76.8
Hakia ranks University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez's bachelor's software engineering program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Mayaguez, PR | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,024/year | Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 80.8
Hakia ranks Utah Tech University's bachelor's software engineering program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Saint George, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,434/year | Graduation Rate: 38% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 65.9
Hakia ranks Utah Valley University's bachelor's software engineering program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orem, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,818/year | Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 73.1
Hakia ranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's bachelor's software engineering program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Luis Obispo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,084/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 95.4
Hakia ranks San Jose State University's bachelor's software engineering program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Jose, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,084/year | Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 82.7
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, MA | Public | $910 | 97% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC | Public | $1,000 | 95% | 82.3/100 |
| #3 Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | Public | $1,000 | 86% | 79.8/100 |
| #4 Westfield State University | Westfield, MA | Public | $970 | N/A | 75.2/100 |
| #5 Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg, MA | Public | $970 | N/A | 74.8/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Snow CollegeEphraim, UT · Public | On-campus | $3,930 | 46% | $135,980 | 67.8 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Ensign CollegeSalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $4,004 | 43% | $135,980 | 64.0 |
| #3 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,191 | 57% | $135,980 | 79.1 |
| #4 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC · Public | On-campus | $4,452 | 63% | $135,980 | 71.3 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA · Public | Online | $4,560 | 52% | $135,980 | 76.8 |
| #6 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Puerto Rico-MayaguezMayaguez, PR · Public | On-campus | $5,024 | 49% | $135,980 | 80.8 |
| #7 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Utah Tech UniversitySaint George, UT · Public | On-campus | $5,434 | 38% | $135,980 | 65.9 |
| #8 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Utah Valley UniversityOrem, UT · Public | On-campus | $5,818 | 45% | $135,980 | 73.1 |
| #9 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 86% | $135,980 | 95.4 |
| #10 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 69% | $135,980 | 82.7 |
| #11 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 55% | $135,980 | 68.5 |
| #12 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Virginia's College at WiseWise, VA · Public | On-campus | $6,160 | 47% | $135,980 | 71.4 |
| #13 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $6,688 | 81% | $135,980 | 91.7 |
| #14 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering State University of New York at OswegoOswego, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 60% | $135,980 | 70.7 |
| #15 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville, WI · Public | On-campus | $7,126 | 56% | $135,980 | 68.4 |
| #16 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Central OklahomaEdmond, OK · Public | On-campus | $7,580 | 37% | $135,980 | 68.2 |
| #17 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | Online | $8,180 | 46% | $135,980 | 76.1 |
| #18 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE · Public | On-campus | $8,250 | 67% | $135,980 | 75.7 |
| #19 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Central MissouriWarrensburg, MO · Public | On-campus | $8,550 | 54% | $135,980 | 77.2 |
| #20 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud, MN · Public | Online | $8,811 | 40% | $135,980 | 62.4 |
| #21 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO · Public | On-campus | $9,047 | 51% | $135,980 | 66.7 |
| #22 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX · Public | On-campus | $9,206 | 54% | $135,980 | 73.4 |
| #23 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA · Public | On-campus | $9,252 | 75% | $135,980 | 79.6 |
| #24 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo, ND · Public | On-campus | $9,309 | 64% | $135,980 | 67.3 |
| #25 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg, PA · Public | On-campus | $9,570 | 56% | $135,980 | 68.8 |
| #26 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Vermont State UniversityRandolph, VT · Public | On-campus | $10,344 | 47% | $135,980 | 67.1 |
| #27 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX · Public | On-campus | $10,639 | 76% | $135,980 | 89.7 |
| #28 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · Public | On-campus | $11,016 | 82% | $135,980 | 94.3 |
| #29 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Ashford UniversitySan Diego, CA · Private for-profit | Online | $11,040 | 11% | $135,980 | 67.8 |
| #30 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Washington State UniversityPullman, WA · Public | On-campus | $11,305 | 60% | $135,980 | 72.7 |
| #31 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ · Public | On-campus | $11,378 | 61% | $135,980 | 69.4 |
| #32 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green, OH · Public | On-campus | $11,405 | 64% | $135,980 | 73.4 |
| #33 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe, AZ · Public | On-campus | $11,478 | 68% | $135,980 | 76.9 |
| #34 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale, AZ · Public | Online | $11,478 | — | $135,980 | 89.1 |
| #35 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston, MN · Public | On-campus | $11,648 | 50% | $135,980 | 63.2 |
| #36 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of ArizonaTucson, AZ · Public | On-campus | $11,835 | 68% | $135,980 | 79.7 |
| #37 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 87% | $135,980 | 96.3 |
| #38 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Miami University-OxfordOxford, OH · Public | On-campus | $14,420 | 80% | $135,980 | 87.2 |
| #39 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Pennsylvania State University-World CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | Online | $15,356 | 34% | $135,980 | 63.9 |
| #40 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend CollegeErie, PA · Public | On-campus | $15,388 | 44% | $135,980 | 62.1 |
| #41 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering DeVry University-IllinoisLisle, IL · Private for-profit | Online | $16,448 | 37% | $135,980 | 60.7 |
| #42 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ · Private for-profit | On-campus | $16,473 | 43% | $135,980 | 65.8 |
| #43 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,066 | 86% | $135,980 | 89.9 |
| #44 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, MI · Public | On-campus | $20,206 | 68% | $135,980 | 72.8 |
| #45 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $23,856 | 61% | $135,980 | 68.5 |
| #46 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Dunwoody College of TechnologyMinneapolis, MN · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $25,214 | 66% | $135,980 | 63.6 |
| #47 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering University of MobileMobile, AL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $25,320 | 57% | $135,980 | 68.2 |
| #48 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Full Sail UniversityWinter Park, FL · Private for-profit | On-campus | $26,906 | 44% | $135,980 | 69.5 |
| #49 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo, FL · Private nonprofit | Online | $27,880 | 45% | $135,980 | 67.2 |
| #50 | Bachelor's in Software Engineering Morehouse CollegeAtlanta, GA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $28,964 | 59% | $135,980 | 76.7 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
The total cost of a affordable's degree in Software Engineering ranges from $45,920 at public universities to over $232,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (Research.com, OnlineU, US News).
With median starting salaries of $130,160, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Software Engineering education doesn't require six-figure debt. Accredited programs offer exceptional value opportunities, with the most affordable in-state programs delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.
Public universities in Southern and Western states lead our affordable rankings, offering strong academics with affordable tuition. These programs maintain competitive graduation rates, industry partnerships, and excellent job placement, proving that cost doesn't determine quality in software engineering education.
Our methodology prioritizes total value by calculating a Value Score that divides academic quality metrics by tuition cost. This ensures we're recommending programs that deliver the best education for your dollar, not just the cheapest options regardless of quality. See our full ranking methodology for details on how we calculate Value Scores.
Create operating systems and network distribution software
Build mobile and web applications for end users
Test software applications for bugs and performance issues
Guide development teams and make technical architecture decisions
Manage software product development lifecycle and strategy
Design technical solutions for complex business problems
Software engineering students have access to numerous financial aid opportunities beyond traditional federal aid. STEM-specific scholarships are available from organizations like the National Science Foundation, IEEE, and major technology companies including Google, Microsoft, and Apple.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for software engineering degrees, particularly for working professionals pursuing part-time or online programs. Companies like Amazon, IBM, and Starbucks provide substantial educational benefits that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
We scored 50 most affordable software engineering programs on the Hakia Score, a 0 to 100 composite drawn from federal IPEDS 2024 and BLS figures, and Snow College's Bachelor's in Software Engineering sits at the top. In-state tuition across the list spans $3,930 to $28,964.
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
National salary data for software engineering graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Institutional characteristics, tuition, graduation rates, and completion data
Total cost of attendance, financial aid, and earnings data
Occupational employment and wage statistics for software developers
Accreditation status for engineering and technology programs
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.