Most Affordable Online Computer Science Degrees

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The most affordable online bachelor’s in computer science is a great opportunity.

Getting a college degree is one of the best ways to improve your earning potential in your adult years. But it’s no secret that college is expensive and time intensive. It can be even more difficult to go to a good school if you aren’t in a state with lots of excellent universities for your chosen subject.

Today, we’ll look at the 10 most affordable online bachelor’s in computer science programs so you can complete your education from a distance without breaking the bank.

See Also: How Hard is it to Get a Job in Computer Science?

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is a Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is one of the most sought out and valuable degrees you can hold these days. The degree revolves around information technology and may include courses about coding, programming, cybersecurity, and networking.

Bachelor’s degrees in computer science are so valuable because they are versatile certifications. You can hold many lucrative jobs with a degree in computer science. In addition, a computer science degree is a great “gateway degree” that can lead to further education in a more specialized field or a master’s in the same subject.

How Much Can You Earn With a Bachelor’s in Computer Science?

With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, your earning potential is almost unlimited. While your actual salary will vary from job to job, the computer science professions in general are high earning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for all computer and information technology occupations is $86,320. Many of these jobs can be acquired through a bachelor’s in computer science.

But your earning potential may be even higher. Some jobs, like computer network architects, can earn up to $109,020 each year. Software developers are similarly lucrative, earning a median annual wage of $105,590.

Suffice to say that a bachelor’s degree in computer science is a great investment. If you’re not as concerned with price, we’ve also ranked the best overall computer science programs.

What is Required for a Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science will often require a host of core IT classes, such as:

  • Programming
  • Networking
  • Coding languages
  • Math
  • Statistics
  • Calculus

You may need to take certain classes about specific programming languages in order to graduate from certain programs or qualify for some jobs.

What Are the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degrees?

These are the most affordable computer science programs, sorted by the Average Net Price for attending the school. Net price factors in fees and financial aid.

OSR displays six data points for each school: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department. Because this is a ranking based on affordability, these data points are not factored into the score.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Calvary University

Calvary University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $6,768
  • 126 credit hours
  • Can collaborate with on-campus or online students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

15

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

This program is paired with several study and work opportunities that can help you cover costs while completing your education. All classes can be completed asynchronously. This university also has a heavy Christian focus which is incorporated into many of its Gen Ed classes.

Grantham University

Grantham University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $8,961
  • 120 credit hours
  • Only need 38 months for completion
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

65%

Programs Offered Online

15

Median Debt

$32,983

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

11%

This program will train you in the fundamentals of programming and systems analysis and design. You’ll be able to hold several computer science-related positions upon completion, and it can be finished in less than four years. You can also apply your prior work experience for class credit in some cases.

Baker College

Baker College

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $12,877
  • 121 credit hours
  • Several minors available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

70%

Programs Offered Online

17

Median Debt

$30,686

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

9%

Baker College offers a computer science program with a concentration in programming. Its curriculum will emphasize coding in multiple languages so you can become a software developer at many employers. Additional areas of focus include database technologies or mobile application software engineering.

Trident University International

Trident University International

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $13,400
  • 120 credits
  • Available in a cybersecurity concentration
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$12,931

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

14%

This university has several partnerships with organizations that recruit for cybersecurity positions, making this program a great choice for students interested in the field. The program can be completed even if you work full-time. All classes are completed asynchronously so you can finish your work on your own schedule.

Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Trine University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $14,712
  • 120 credit hours
  • Includes management concentration
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

14

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

This program is technically a Bachelor of Science in information systems, so it’s a little more focused than a typical computer science degree. It can successfully be leveraged for business or administrative positions as well as IT jobs. A capstone project is required for graduation.

Park University

Park University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $15,359
  • 120 credit hours
  • Included real-world career prep
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

37

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

8%

This program emphasizes creative thinking in the area of computer science, enabling students to pursue multiple jobs or graduate studies after graduation. There are six concentration areas you can choose from. The curriculum is updated yearly so students get modern education for relevant industries.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $15,478
  • 120 credit hours
  • Several start dates throughout the year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$30,103

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

13%

This computer science degree comes with a general track or several concentrations in cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering. A fast-track is available so you can transition real-world life experience into college credit. As a result, it offers flexibility and the ability to be completed in less than four years.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $15,975
  • 120 credit hours
  • Several chances for hands-on experience
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

45%

Programs Offered Online

23

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

1%

This program takes place at a Methodist College, so this ethical framework is present in many of the Gen Ed classes. The program builds your analytical and problem-solving skills in the context of computer science. Several classes focus on programming in multiple languages for skill versatility.

Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $17,013
  • 125 credit hours
  • Must have taken face-to-face programming course
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$27,073

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

2%

This program only takes individuals with associate degrees in related areas, reflecting the curriculum’s rigor. It’s a highly flexible program that enables you to take a wide variety of classes for completion. You’ll remotely join the university’s labs for experiential learning and collaboration.

Davenport University

Davenport University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $17,169
  • 120 credit hours
  • Math minor available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

69%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Programs Offered Online

23

Programs in Department

6

Popularity at School

11%

This program is taught by highly productive experts in the field of computer science. Class sizes are usually small. You’ll be able to choose between three specialties: artificial intelligence, gaming and simulation, and computer architecture and algorithms.

Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $18,400
  • 120 credit hours
  • Can be completed in 18 months
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Programs Offered Online

12

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

This program has a fast-track that allows you to complete the program in record time if you already have some work experience to be traded for credits. The curriculum focuses on key industry skills like software engineering and advanced Java. You can also take this program in a mixed online and in-person format.

Franklin University

Franklin University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $18,684
  • 124 semester hours
  • Includes capstone project
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Programs Offered Online

32

Median Debt

$30,592

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

7%

This program is extremely transfer credit friendly, and it has a curriculum that focuses on the creation of technology-based solutions. Many of its courses emphasize collaboration despite its online format. It’s also solidly grounded in software development, so it’s great for those wishing to pursue that after graduation.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $20,036
  • 120 credit hours
  • Several internships are available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

22

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

5%

This program covers a broad spectrum of computer science-related subjects, from computer architecture to information systems. It focuses on modern applications of CS information, such as smartphone app development. Many of its classes are taught asynchronously for added schedule flexibility.

City University of Seattle

CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE LOGO

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $20,567
  • 180 credits
  • Options to earn certificates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

69%

Programs Offered Online

17

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

4%

This program provides a foundation across all aspects of computer science. It also allows lots of hands-on work experience opportunities that can be completed over the internet, working seamlessly with the online format. Furthermore, it can be completed in only 2.5 years depending on your schedule flexibility and intensity.

Concordia University-Texas

Quick Facts

  • Net Price: $23,606
  • 120 credit hours
  • 8-week classes
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

10

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

This program is a perfect fit for working professionals who need to balance a busy schedule. It provides foundational skills in the computer science field and teaches the commonly used programming languages. As a result, all graduates will be able to apply for a variety of CS positions after graduation.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.