Employers need computer scientists, and an online degree in computer science can prepare you to step into high-paying jobs without leaving the workforce.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for computer and information research scientists to grow by 26% over the next decade. That's a much faster pace than average and is only one of the many high-demand roles available with a computer science degree.
Online programs can be highly affordable and often come in an asynchronous format to help you balance school with work and family obligations. We ranked the best computer science programs using affordability and student outcomes.
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Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, student support services, and specialization options. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Computer Science Degree
In-demand across industries: Computer science professionals are needed in every sector, with companies embracing tech regardless of their expertise.
Learn key skills: Computer science programs teach both programming and emerging techs like AI and machine learning.
Work on real-world projects: You'll work on real-world issues as part of your computer science curriculum.
Build your professional network: You'll likely have opportunities to work with your peers and meet industry experts as part of your degree program.
Benefits of Getting a Computer Science Degree Online
97% of online program students and program graduates surveyed in our 2024 Online Education Trends Report said they would recommend online education to others.
81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
More than half of those students said their curriculum helped them explore job opportunities.
Online programs are offered in a flexible format so you can study without taking time out of the workforce.
How to Choose the Best Computer Science Program for You
Affordability and student outcomes are key when looking for a computer science program.
Victoria Southall, a CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner, suggests that you "check the curriculum to see that it covers what interests you and if the school has good connections or internship opportunities. It's also important to consider the cost, flexibility, and whether the school has a strong alumni network."
Overall, look for an accredited program that fits your personal and professional goals.
How Much Does an Online Computer Science Degree Cost?
Online Computer and Information Science Bachelor's, 2019-2020
In-State
$7,654 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$4,932 Avg. Net Price
Out-of-State
$9,202 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$6,182 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES Power Stats
Online degree programs tend to be more affordable than traditional, in-person programs. Public institutions are typically more affordable than private colleges, although private schools also often offer generous financial aid. The average out-of-state tuition and fees for an online computer science program in 2019 was $7,654, but that figure was reduced to $4,932 after financial aid.
You can cut down on tuition and fees by filling out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) so that you can receive federal grants. There are also a number of computer science scholarships available as employers scramble to fill workforce needs.
Transferring credits from previous college experience can also help you reduce costs.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Computer Science Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A computer science bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, but that isn't always the case. Some programs are offered in an accelerated format to help you cut down on the time it takes to earn your degree.
A self-paced program like Western Governor's University, for instance, allows you to take on higher course loads and finish a degree in as little as two years.
Transferring credits from previous college experience can also help you finish your degree faster, although every institution has its own policies as to which credits count toward a degree.
Accreditation for Computer Science
Programmatic accreditation is a good way to tell whether a computer science program has qualified faculty and teaches relevant, in-demand skills. ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a reputable accreditor of computer science and other tech programs.
ABET weighs factors like student performance and outcomes alongside an institution's teaching and expertise accrediting programs.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Computer Science Accreditation?
"Accreditation can be useful if you're going for government jobs, big corporations, or grad school since it proves the program meets certain standards."
―Victoria Southall, CASP+
What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
A computer science degree opens up jobs across the tech sector. Many programs offer specializations in rapidly growing areas like cybersecurity, information technology, and data science, allowing you to hone your skills in a niche area.
The BLS projects that computer and information research scientists, software developers, and database architects are projected to see rapid growth over the next decade, but that's just a small sample of the possible roles you can take on with a computer science degree.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $131,450 | Designs and maintains products and apps |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Oversees an organization's cybersecurity efforts and protects data |
| Web Developer | $84,960 | Designs and develops websites and keeps them up to date |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | Keeps an organization's computer systems running smoothly |
| Data Scientist | $112,590 | Works with and interprets large amounts of data for an organization |
Learn More About Computer Science Jobs
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
An online computer science degree can boost your earnings without cutting into your personal and professional schedule.
Software engineers, information security analysts, and data scientists all made median annual salaries over $100,000 as of May 2024, according to the BLS, and those jobs are projected to grow over the next decade.
Computer science programs are also incorporating in-demand skills like AI into their curriculums, preparing you with key tech knowledge as you head into the workforce.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Computer Science
A bachelor's degree is all you need to get started in the tech workforce, but a master's degree in computer science can eventually build on your work experience to open up even more advanced roles in the field.
Master's degrees are useful if you want to pursue a more specialized field or pursue a concentration in a subject like AI, information technology, or cybersecurity.
A master of business administration (MBA) degree is also an option if you want to leverage your technical skills in leadership roles. Many MBAs include specializations in tech in addition to their broad instruction in business fundamentals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Science
Computer science programs come in both two and four-year formats. A four-year program typically confers a bachelor's degree, while a two-year program offers an associate degree. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete your bachelor's degree in two years.
