2026 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
Compare and find the best online software engineering bachelor's degree based entirely on verified student review ratings.
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The best online software engineering degree will prepare you to build and maintain the digital systems businesses rely on. Student ratings reveal what the experience is like firsthand.
Key Takeaways:
- UA leads the list with a 3.99 rating and a 91% recommendation rate from students.
- Kennesaw State stands out for combining the lowest tuition, a 90% recommendation rate, and reported median earnings of $99,785.
- Several lower-cost schools, including Kennesaw State and Western Governors, rank above more expensive options.
We spoke with Panayot Kalinov, a senior software developer, who shares actionable strategies for succeeding in an online software engineering program. Read his advice below our analysis of the list.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in software engineering degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in software engineering qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include median earnings for software engineering majors five years after graduation when that data is available. By presenting the most complete data available, we aim to give you an honest, well-rounded picture of each program.
2026 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 91% | $15,750 | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | 3.83 / 5 | 90% | $5,700 | $99,785 | ||
| Purdue Global | 3.76 / 5 | 75% | $11,130 | N/A | ||
| Bellevue University | 3.67 / 5 | 75% | $13,770 | N/A | ||
| ECPI University Online | 3.53 / 5 | 60% | 67% | 71% | $10,260 | N/A |
| Saint Leo University Online | 3.3 / 5 | 62% | $12,750 | N/A | ||
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 2.97 / 5 | 53% | $9,900 | N/A | ||
| DeVry University | 2.86 / 5 | 50% | $15,420 | $61,152 | ||
| Arizona State University, Online | 2.69 / 5 | 54% | $17,400 | $113,500 | ||
| Pennsylvania State University - World Campus | 2.69 / 5 | 36% | $15,510 | N/A | ||
| New England Institute of Technology | 2.53 / 5 | 40% | Student Review Summary: Reviews portray University of Arizona as a generally rewarding experience shaped by strong academics, accessible professors, and abundant ways to get involved. Students repeatedly praise research access, internships, study abroad, tutoring, and career-preparation opportunities, especially when departments are organized and faculty are invested. The main complaints center on inconsistent advising, disorganized administrative offices, rising tuition, limited scholarships, and uneven department quality. Some also mention large introductory classes. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#2 3.83 / 5 Overall Rating 90% Recommend 88% Helpful for Career Online Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
Student Review Summary: Kennesaw State University reviews trend positive overall, driven by strong ratings and frequent praise for helpful, knowledgeable professors, practical instruction, and flexible learning options. Many reviewers say faculty members were accessible, responsive, and invested in their success, often connecting coursework to real-world careers, research, internships, or professional growth. Several also appreciated the school’s welcoming atmosphere, smaller-community feel despite expansion, diverse campus, strong facilities, solid dining, and online formats that worked well for full-time employees and commuters. The most consistent frustrations center on institutional growing pains. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#3 3.76 / 5 Overall Rating 75% Recommend 65% Helpful for Career Online Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degrees Kristen Martinez Vanderhill, Graduated 2024 Overall Rating: 4/5 Overall my experience has been enjoyable throughout my four years of attending Purdue Global. I enjoy the virtual environment and the classes that are offered. However, I do think the class courses could be improved upon through additional courses. This... Read More Student Review Summary: Reviews of Purdue Global are sharply divided, but negative feedback dominates because many students describe severe administrative and funding problems despite some strong academic experiences. The most common complaint is inconsistent financial aid handling, including delayed disbursements, surprise balances, loan confusion, and repeated transfers between departments. Students also report disorganization from advisors, transcript issues, abrupt schedule changes, and weak communication. Positive reviewers praise responsive professors, flexible online scheduling for working adults, and credit for prior learning. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#4 3.67 / 5 Overall Rating 75% Recommend 82% Helpful for Career Online Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Bellevue University are broadly positive, but sharply divided around support quality. Many students praise the flexible online format, rigorous yet manageable workload, responsive professors, and coursework tied closely to real-world application, saying it improved writing, critical thinking, and career readiness while fitting full-time work, military service, and family obligations. Strong peer interaction, practical simulations, and confidence-building instruction stand out. Negative reviews focus less on academics and more on operations: frequent advisor turnover, poor communication, and financial aid errors. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#5 3.53 / 5 Overall Rating 60% Recommend 53% Helpful for Career Online Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degrees Anthony Tuccitto, Graduated 2017 Overall Rating: 5/5 I like the hands on approach ECPI University has. The class sizes are small so if you ever have problems the professor are there to help. Also the internship I did while attending ECPI University helped me get a job after I finished my degree.overall... Read More Student Review Summary: Reviews of ECPI University Online are sharply divided. Supporters praise the accelerated format, flexible scheduling, small classes, accessible instructors, tutoring, hands-on labs, and advisors who check in frequently. Several say the school worked well for motivated adults, military-affiliated learners, and career changers, with some reporting promotions, quick employment, or useful externships. Critics describe self-directed coursework, inconsistent grading, and administrative confusion. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
Recommendation Rate represents the percentage of reviewers who would recommend a school, while Review Rating is the average score reviewers assigned on a five-point scale. University of Arizona leads both measures with a 91% recommendation rate and a 3.99/5 rating, followed closely by KSU at 90% and 3.83. Purdue Global and Bellevue each earn a 75% recommendation rate, but Purdue Global holds the higher rating at 3.76 compared with 3.67. Considering both metrics can help you discover differences in student sentiment. Stories Behind the Best Software Engineering Degrees Online: An Editorial AnalysisA Competency-Based Software Engineering Path Western Governors University WGU has a competency-based learning and flat-rate six-month terms. So, software engineering students can complete additional coursework during a term once they demonstrate mastery, creating meaningful acceleration potential for experienced programmers and highly independent learners. Build Software for a Real Company Pennsylvania State University - World Campus Penn State concludes its software engineering degree with an industry-sponsored capstone sequence in which students design and implement software for external organizations. That structure exposes learners to real project requirements, stakeholder expectations, team coordination, and delivery constraints beyond a simulated classroom assignment. The ABET-accredited curriculum supporting the capstone is notably engineering-intensive, incorporating calculus, calculus-based physics, chemistry, digital design, microprocessors, embedded real-time systems, and formal software verification and validation. Software Engineering for an AI-Assisted Workplace DeVry University DeVry integrates artificial intelligence across software development workflows so students will encounter large language models, AI-assisted coding, code validation, machine learning, prompt-driven development tools, and no-code or low-code model building. They can further specialize in AI and Analytics, Software Design and Engineering, Application Development, or a general track. The program’s Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accreditation adds a formal external review of its computing curriculum. Industry Perspective: Building Systems, Leading Teams, and Maximizing a Software Engineering Degree
Senior Dev
I'm a tech expert and senior software developer. As a former Deputy Head of IT, I have hands-on experience with leading dev teams, handling various organizational IT roles, and innovating cybersecurity tech stacks. I hold a bachelor's degree in computer technology and… I have over 6 years of experience in the industry.
"Online programs have opened doors for a lot of working professionals who couldn’t drop everything to go back to school. That’s a real strength. They let you learn advanced topics like cloud architecture, microservices, or agile workflows while still working full-time. But they’re not perfect. One issue I’ve seen is that they don’t always recreate the experience of working closely in a team, where problems unfold in real time and solutions require real collaboration. Programs that offer group projects or capstone experiences help close that gap and give students a better sense of what it’s like to ship software as part of a team. For anyone considering this degree, I’d say focus just as much on soft skills as you do on technical ones. Knowing design patterns or mastering cloud tools is excellent, but if you can’t explain your solution clearly or work through issues with your team, you’re going to struggle in leadership roles. The best engineers I’ve worked with aren’t just technical experts, they’re also great communicators who can handle feedback and adapt quickly. ROI is a fair question, especially considering how experience-driven the tech world is. A good way to think about value is by combining the degree with action.
That way, you don’t just have a diploma—you have proof that you can apply what you’ve learned. It also helps to look at where past graduates ended up. If they’re working at companies you respect, that’s a good sign. I’m also a firm believer that certifications add value. If you’re [going on to do] a master’s in software engineering, pairing it with certifications in AWS or Kubernetes makes a lot of sense. Those tools are everywhere, and showing that you’re certified tells employers you can hit the ground running. Scrum certification is another good one if you see yourself leading projects in an agile environment." EXPERT TIP
FAQs About Choosing the Best Online Software Engineering DegreesWhat Can You Expect From an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Program?Many colleges provide fully online software engineering degrees with asynchronous courses that have no live meetings. Distance learners log in to a learning management system to view assignments and readings, submit work, watch recorded lectures, and chat with classmates in discussion forums. Software engineering bachelor's degree programs seek to prepare students for engineering careers in software and application design and development. Students take classes on web engineering, computer security, human-computer interaction, technical communication, and data structures. Some programs feature courses with occasional synchronous elements, such as live discussions. Internships usually consist of in-person work for an approved employer in the student's area. Many programs require students to complete an internship or senior research project in order to graduate. These degrees typically feature 120 credit hours of coursework. Administrators design them to last four years with a full-time schedule but many students take longer to graduate. Which Courses Should You Look for in an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Program?Software engineering courses are highly technical and cover programming languages, operating systems, and advanced mathematics. Students learn to apply their mathematical and data science knowledge to software creation. They also practice building security measures into everything they make. You'll find the following classes in a typical online software engineering bachelor's program:
What Can You Do With An Online Bachelor’s In Software Engineering?Most software engineering students choose software engineering careers after college. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers software engineers as special types of . These professionals make median annual salaries of $131,450 and enjoy a 15% job growth outlook. As with most jobs, software engineer salaries tend to be highest in areas that are more expensive to live. However, there are subtle differences between software developers and software engineers. Chiefly, engineers tend to take a higher level view of the software development process than developers and oversee more parts of projects. Engineering students don't necessarily need to become software engineers. The skills taught in a software engineering program can translate to a range of technical career paths from web development to network management. A graduate degree might make you more competitive for higher level engineering and management positions. See our lists of the most affordable online software engineering master's degrees. Do You Want To Choose Software Engineering, or a Related Major?There are many engineering and technology majors that share some features with software engineering. For example, a counterpart to a software engineering degree is a computer engineering degree that emphasizes the physical hardware of computer systems. You might also consider other online engineering degrees. What Is ABET Accreditation And Why Does It Matter When Choosing the Best Software Engineering Degrees?Individual programs can also undergo an accreditation review by a specialty organization in a specific field. For software engineering, that's the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET also has a searchable for your consideration. The board accredits both on-campus and online degrees. You don't necessarily need to attend an ABET-accredited program to become a software engineer. But it might give you an edge in your job hunt. Do You Need a Degree to Be a Software Engineer?Most software engineer positions call for a bachelor's degree, but some include a degree as one possible qualification among several. Job posts may mention other qualifications such as a completion certificate from a technical bootcamp or "equivalent experience and skills." This may mean a few professional certifications and the ability to pass a technical assessment during an interview. What Is the Best Degree for Software Engineering?A bachelor's degree in software engineering will probably open the most doors if you want to be a software engineer. The curriculum covers the technical skills and knowledge you'll need but also engineering best practices for processes and project management. To learn about popular technology majors, see our guides to online computer programming degrees and online cybersecurity degrees. You can also review our lists of the most affordable online computer science degrees and most affordable master's in computer science degrees online. Student Reviews of Online Software Engineering ProgramsThis is one of the least expensive schools that isn't just a diploma mill. It has a fantastic support staff and plenty of learning resources. I suggest this school to anyone trying to further their career at their own pace. There are also plenty of external resources available to help you with classes. Review Date: 12/5/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No This is one of the least expensive schools that isn't just a diploma mill. It has a fantastic support staff and plenty of learning resources. I suggest this school to anyone trying to further their career at their own pace. There are also plenty of external resources available to help you with classes. Review Date: 12/5/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I love the school. The professors are very engaging. Student support is always available and this school offers so many programs thats helps students with any problem that may occur while you're attending school. Im thankful i choose this school and I look forward to the next couple of year of pursuing my education through Devry. Review Date: 10/3/2024 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Overall my experience has been enjoyable throughout my four years of attending Purdue Global. I enjoy the virtual environment and the classes that are offered. However, I do think the class courses could be improved upon through additional courses. This would greatly help students better prepare for future job opportunities and other classes that incorporate or build upon certain concepts. For example, a dedicated class for students to learn and understand GitHub content would greatly benefit many... Read More Review Date: 1/9/2024 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Evergreen Valley College is such a wonderful school with all the systems functioning to it top notch. I joined the school when I didn't have much to offer, but through their all-inclusive I managed to learn a lot and have the right tools to use when facing the world and my problems. Students there are very friendly and loving, ready to assist whenever you have an issue. I will highly recommend this school. Review Date: 8/7/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Southern New Hampshire University would be a great school for someone who wants to work on their own time but still wants structure. Assignments are due on Sundays, and initial discussion posts are due on Thursdays. It is a great platform if you prefer working on assignments whenever you have the time, while still having deadlines to keep you in check. However, if you plan on using financial aid, the financial aid office at this school is very subpar, and the department seems to have inconsistent... Read More Review Date: 5/15/2026 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Many persons to whom I speak worry about WGU being a grift; however, it is ACTUALLY brick-and-mortar schools that are the grift these days. If you have looked at brick-and-mortar school's tuition rates lately, they are INSANE and out-of-control and that doesn't even include the $3,000 per semester they want to charge you just for the campus meal plan which is just a cafeteria, and 50+% of the time you get a terrible instructor who either doesn't know the subject or doesn't know how to teach students... Read More Review Date: 6/14/2021 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I've got a year left before I graduate, and as long as you are disciplined and force yourself to learn the concepts you will definitely gain valuable skills. It gets continuously harder as your progress through the core classes into major classes. The first year is kinda easy, but it's gets much tougher and work gets more elaborate and practical. The flexibility is awesome. Review Date: 9/24/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes This school has zero hands on. It is computer science, it should not be that hard to have us actually code some stuff or do SOMETHING technical at all. I am 2 classes from graduation and have $40 in debt and a 3.97 GPA and have learned NOTHING. Every class is theory crafting. They want you to hypothetically design a user interface... why don't we just make a d**** interface? why pretend? Review Date: 2/6/2016 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No I feel that to many people emphasize on the inability to attain a brick and mortar feel from the university of phoenix. In my opinion learning should be in the hands of the learner and not placed as a burden on the instructor. I had a great experience while attaining my bachelor degree from the University of Phoenix and would recommend attending this college to anyone. Secondly I would like to address the fact that people say this degree will not help you get a job and is worthless. To be honest,... Read More Review Date: 9/6/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes All, thank you for the time in reading my review, i'll be honest with you about achieving my BSIT in Software Engineering. As an active duty military student I enrolled into the CTU online courses. My troubles didn't immediately start until I decided to utilize my G.I BIll benefits. Apparently once they had that information they began charging all of my expenses to my G.I Bill even after i repeatedly told them not to and that I had other means of paying. This continued all the way up until i graduated... Read More Review Date: 2/8/2017 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No Let me begin with a statement. As with all things, you get out what you put in. So for all the individuals reviewing this school stating that they did not know about fees/ finances, or the classes were less than adequate, or even they couldn't get a decent job/ continue their education after this school; you're either extremely stupid or did not do enough research. For starters, all fees (which there is only one I can think of, Graduation fee) are plainly stated on the schools site. There is no hidden... Read More Review Date: 8/20/2015 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Grand Canyon University Review Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an exceptional educational experience that combines a supportive community with rigorous academic standards. The online and in person campus is vibrant and welcoming, fostering a sense of belonging among students. The variety of programs allows for diverse academic pursuits, ensuring that everyone can find their niche. One of the standout features of GCU is the dedicated faculty. Professors are not only knowledgeable in their fields... Read More Overall, GCU provides a comprehensive educational environment, where students can thrive academically and personally, thanks to the combination of excellent programs and supportive faculty. Highly recommended for anyone looking to further their education! Thank you, Review Date: 4/2/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes College was great and professors were very helpful. The campus was beautiful and I had access to unlimited resources. There was a more than enough convenient parking spaces and our campus was very clean. The culture was very diverse which is one of the reasons I loved this university. Review Date: 4/23/2026 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Great program! The instructors were very knowledgable and really pushed me to the limits of my understanding! I will definitely consider Herzing University when I decide to pursue my Masters degree! I am so glad to be finished with this very difficult course load that will continue to serve me in years to come. Review Date: 1/19/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I like the hands on approach ECPI University has. The class sizes are small so if you ever have problems the professor are there to help. Also the internship I did while attending ECPI University helped me get a job after I finished my degree.overall I recommend it. Review Date: 1/31/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes San Jose State University is a great school for students looking for an affordable option with quality education. I found the University to be diverse, spacious, clean and professors are qualified. Since it is a State University it did lack the UC experience and most people come home after their classes. Review Date: 12/6/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes San Jose State University is a great school for students looking for an affordable option with quality education. I found the University to be diverse, spacious, clean and professors are qualified. Since it is a State University it did lack the UC experience and most people come home after their classes. Review Date: 12/6/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Extremely tough school, but the experience gained is well worth it. After msoe, everything is easier. Review Date: 9/1/2015 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Related Articles |