Software engineering blends coding and computer programming essentials with the principles of engineering. A top online bachelor's degree in software engineering 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. 

Top 5 online schools for software engineering

College	Program stats	How much?
Florida International University Miami, FL	BS in Computer Engineering Acceptance rate:58% Graduation rate:64% Students choose at least two concentrations	Per credit hour $228.81 in-state $345.87 out-of-state Application fee: $30
Penn State World Campus University Park, PA	BS in Software Engineering Acceptance rate:76% Graduation rate:73% Capstone is an industry-sponsored design project	Per semester (full-time): $7,169 per semester Application fee: $65
Oregon State University Corvalis, OR	BS in Computer Science Acceptance rate:82% Graduation rate:64% Culminates in three-semester capstone	Per credit hour: $386 Application fee:$65
St. Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN	BS in Software Engineering Acceptance rate:90% Graduation rate:50% Degree-completion program	Per semester (12-18 credits) $4,585 (MN, WI, Manitoba) $9,005 (Most other states) Application fee:Free
Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT	BS in Software Development Acceptance rate:Not publicly available Graduation rate:49% Choice of Java or C#track	Per six-month term: $3,625 Application fee: $65

The 15 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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:1100-1280	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Three	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:1070-1310	Minimum GPA:2.7
Enrollment periods per year:Three	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:1080-1320	Minimum GPA:3.0
Enrollment periods per year:Four	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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: 50%
Avg. annual net price:$14,267	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:934-1194	Minimum GPA:2.75
Enrollment periods per year:Two	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Three years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Rolling	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

6. Arizona State University

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:2.5
Enrollment periods per year:Three	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Rolling	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:1110-1320	Minimum GPA:2.5
Enrollment periods per year:Three	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:960-1140	Time to completion:Four years
Minimum GPA:Not publicly available	Enrollment periods per year:Rolling

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:970-1160	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Six	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:2.0
Enrollment periods per year:Six	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Three	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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	Time to completion:Two years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:One	Course delivery method:Synchronous

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	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA:Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Not publicly available	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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 a 150-hour practical work experience requirement. 

Acceptance rate: 73%	Graduation rate:23%
Avg. annual net price: $15,049	Time to completion:Four years
SAT range:Not publicly available	Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
Enrollment periods per year:Rolling	Course delivery method:Asynchronous

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 omnichannel logistics programs for the world's largest retailers and brands. I value the opportunity to build something new from the ground up. Working at a startup is like having an open canvas to create and innovate, and that excites me even 20+ years into my career. 

I continue to learn and face new challenges in the world of logistics. When I dipped my toe into the industry during my early days at Amazon, I underestimated the intricate process of moving goods from point A to point B. Every day holds the potential for countless disruptions