Best Online Computer Science Degrees of 2025
Embark on one of today’s most in-demand careers with a computer science degree. As a computer science (CS) expert, you could be a data scientist, computer engineer, or computer science researcher. You might work in healthcare, manufacturing, software development, national security, or nearly any other industry.
Whether you’re considering a career change or just now graduating high school, this degree could be your pathway to an engaging and lucrative future.
Learn more about the best online computer science degrees in our guide below.
10 Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in computer science (CS) helps you build fluency in today's most widely used programming languages. SNHU emphasizes real-world experience, so you'll work with software that tech employers use to ensure your skills are marketable in the modern workforce.
Things We Love:
- With eight-week terms, you have control over when you start and how fast you graduate.
- Tuition is just $330 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- As part of the curriculum, you'll create a portfolio that showcases your work.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- SNHU doesn't charge an application fee. You also don't need to submit test scores or college essays to apply.
- You can save time and money by transferring up to 90 academic, military, or experiential credits.
- In-State$15,450
- Out-of-state$15,450
- In-State$19,467
- Out-of-state$19,467
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled184,099
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Oregon State University's online BS in computer science is designed to prepare you to work in multiple industries, including cybersecurity, public health, clean energy, and aerospace. The curriculum equips you with the CS skills needed to thrive in the current market and adapt to the changing needs of organizations worldwide.
Things We Love:
- With four start terms per year and a 100% online curriculum, you can earn your CS degree on your terms.
- You'll have regular networking opportunities with industry professionals and build a portfolio throughout the curriculum.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $428 per credit, OSU's tuition is competitive with other online CS degree programs.
- You must complete a three-term online course sequence culminating in a required capstone project to graduate.
- In-State$11,145
- Out-of-state$33,315
- In-State$13,446
- Out-of-state$29,349
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled35,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
National University's BS in computer science helps you develop the technical and design experience needed to succeed in the field of software engineering. Throughout the program, you'll explore a wide array of subjects including design, implementation, security, data structures, and algorithms to gain career-relevant expertise.
Things We Love:
- The curriculum is specifically designed to help you succeed in software engineering and other closely related fields.
- As an online student, you'll have access to free tutoring, a mentoring network, and 24-7 support services.
- NU's tuition rate is just $348 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- NU does not require an application fee, personal essays, or test scores to apply.
- For transfer students, 45 of the program's required 180 quarter credits must be completed at NU, including all senior project courses.
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,912
- Out-of-state$15,912
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled19,924
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Auburn University offers a bachelor of computer science (BCS) degree completion program that's 100% online, allowing you to learn in a dynamic and innovative environment. Auburn's CS program blends traditional instruction with modern technology through a mix of lessons taught in real time and asynchronous coursework, labs, and videos.
Things We Love:
- Auburn's online network helps you stay connected to your peers and professors throughout your degree program.
- You'll get access to free tutoring throughout the degree program.
- If you have already completed a bachelor's degree in any field and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you can fast-track into the 60-credit online BCS program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Since this is a degree completion program, you'll need to transfer in 60 credits of general education courses and take the remaining 60 credits of computer science courses at Auburn.
- Tuition costs $574 per credit, which is higher than most programs on this list.
- In-State$10,704
- Out-of-state$32,112
- In-State$10,692
- Out-of-state$32,076
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled33,015
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Maryville University's 100% online BS in computer science program prepares you to launch a career in technology. The curriculum was developed by industry leaders to equip you with the technical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for a wide spectrum of tech-focused careers.
Things We Love:
- You can choose a focus area to earn a built-in CS certificate in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software development, and user experience.
- The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, so you can apply what you learn in real-world professional settings.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The BS in computer science requires 128 credits and costs $540 per credit.
- Maryville does not require an application fee or ACT or SAT scores.
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,883
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Franklin University offers a BS in computer science that's fully online, with flexible start dates throughout the year. Franklin's curriculum aims to build the creative thinking and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the high-demand field of computer science.
Things We Love:
- Franklin lets you lock in tuition from enrollment through graduation so you know exactly how much you'll pay for your degree.
- The curriculum includes hands-on assignments, including cutting-edge software development projects that you'll work on with a team of peers.
- You'll have the chance to learn from real-world professionals and experienced technology leaders.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Franklin allows you to transfer up to 94 of the required 124 credits to earn the BS in computer science.
- Choose between six- and 12-week courses, with eight start dates each year.
- Tuition is competitive with other schools on this list at $398 per credit.
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$12,060
- Out-of-state$12,060
- Retention Rate47%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,697
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Louisiana State University-Alexandria's online computer science program emphasizes project-based activities and real-life, practical learning. You will learn to use computer programming, mathematics, data structures, and algorithms to solve various computational problems.
Things We Love:
- You will produce a portfolio of tangible work samples that can help demonstrate your skills in job searches.
- Tuition is $325 per credit, regardless of whether you live in Louisiana or out of state.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution.
- This program has a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning you can expect to receive close attention and instruction from your teachers.
- In-State$4,950
- Out-of-state$5,150
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled5,330
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Saint Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Concordia University, St. Paul's online, flexible BS in computer science helps you develop the essential CS skills needed for the tech industry. You'll have dedicated academic and career support services to help you during your degree program and with your post-graduation job search.
Things We Love:
- The career-oriented curriculum gives you hands-on software development experience that culminates in a capstone project using Agile.
- Concordia reports that you could graduate from the 120-credit program in as few as two and a half years with transfer credits.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is a bit higher than some of the schools on this list at $420 per credit.
- Concordia is a Christian liberal arts school, and the online learning environment is faith-oriented.
- There are no application fees, and you can apply anytime.
- In-State$25,000
- Out-of-state$25,000
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$8,550
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled5,854
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Fayetteville State University's BS in computer science is a degree completion program, with specialized accreditation by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. This program allows you to complete the final two years of your bachelor's degree program online.
Things We Love:
- You'll learn from distinguished computer science faculty and work on cutting-edge research topics to help you build the skills you need to excel in your career.
- You'll study solutions for networking, cybersecurity, robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- To be admitted to the online degree completion program, you must have 39 core credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and pass an introduction to programming methodology course with a grade of C or higher.
- You can also choose the 3+2 dual degree program in collaboration with the North Carolina State University, that allows you to get a BS in engineering alongside your CS degree.
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$14,503
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled6,847
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Baker College offers a bachelor's degree in computer science that was designed by industry professionals. The curriculum is constantly updated to keep up with technological advances. The four-year, 120-credit program includes 75 hours in the computer science major.
Things We Love:
- The CS degree's concentration is in computer programming, which can help improve your job prospects should you pursue a programming career path.
- As part of the degree requirements, you'll complete a year-long senior project and 150 hours of work experience.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is the same for all students regardless of where you reside, but the cost is on the higher side at $450 per credit.
- Baker charges a $200 technology fee per semester.
- In-State$12,460
- Out-of-state$12,460
- In-State$12,150
- Out-of-state$12,150
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled3,898
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Will AI Take Over Computer Science Jobs?
With the rapid development of AI, you may be wondering, “Is a computer science degree bad now?” No, a computer science degree is anything but obsolete. AI is opening up new areas within CS, such as robotics, machine learning, and natural language processing. An online CS degree is a versatile and valuable qualification for this rapidly expanding field.
What You Can Expect from an Online Computer Science Program
Online computer science bachelor’s degree programs typically require 120 credits and four years of full-time study to complete. As an online CS student, you’ll dive deep into the algorithms, software, networks, security systems, and cloud data centers that make up modern computer systems.
You’ll also engage with computer science theory, debate the ethics of technology, and explore the complexities of calculus and discrete mathematics. In some programs, you can choose a concentration, such as cybersecurity, data science, or artificial intelligence. Typically, you will conclude your degree with a capstone project demonstrating your engineering design and program management skills.
Differences Between an Online and Campus-Based CS Degree Program
Your online CS degree requires the same courses as the on-campus program, but how you study can be quite different. As an online student, you will use a virtual learning platform to respond to discussion posts, submit assignments, and interact with your professor and classmates.
Some students find that programming courses align nicely with online learning platforms, but studying CS theory or discrete mathematics online can be tricky. You get to decide which approach is best for you.
Why Get Your Computer Science Degree Online?
- Flexible scheduling lets you study when it’s convenient for you — morning, afternoon, evening, or weekends.
- Work-school balance is often more straightforward when you study online, and you can accommodate community and family responsibilities more easily, too.
- Many online degree programs have lower tuition than campus-based programs.
- Online learning allows you to enroll in a program in another state without relocating (though there may be additional fees for nonresidents).
Choosing an Online Computer Science Program: 4 Key Factors
Computer science is a diverse field — different programs give you different career options. Before choosing an online computer science degree, think about these five steps.
1. Outline Your Program and Career Goals
Before narrowing down your program options, consider what you want to get from your computer science degree. You may have a specific career or salary level in mind or a particular timeline to earn your degree.
Alternatively, you may want a program that gives you the freedom to explore different areas of study before fully committing yourself to a specialization.
2. Determine Your Budget
If you’re like most students, the cost of tuition is a primary concern when choosing an online computer science bachelor’s degree. Outside of tuition, online programs can often create a different set of budget considerations. You may be able to save on some expenses, such as parking and transportation, while spending more on others, such as online student fees and specific technology or software.
3. Compare Online Programs
Even if they cover similar course topics, online computer science degrees can vary widely in terms of program format, length, and graduate outcomes. Consider which factors are most important to you when you start looking at programs. Careful research and comparison can help you choose the best online computer science degree that meets your needs.
4. Confirm Accreditation
Institutional accreditation helps ensure that you can receive federal financial aid to pay for college. It also legitimizes your degree in the marketplace, making it easier to transfer credits, pursue a graduate degree, or land a job after graduation.
Although not required, accreditation from ABET, the programmatic accreditor for technology and engineering programs, demonstrates a school’s commitment to the department and the discipline. ABET accredits only bachelor’s programs and does not apply to graduate degrees.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Science Degree?
A computer science degree is one of the most marketable credentials in today’s digital landscape. With a computer science degree, you can work as a software engineer, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, or IT project manager, among many other high-demand careers.
Even with no experience, you can compete for entry-level or support roles in cybersecurity, technical support, or computer programming. A master’s degree can set you up for leadership positions or advanced technical careers in CS.
Computer Science Salary and Career Outlook
A computer science bachelor’s degree prepares you to pursue a high-paying career with strong job growth potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the annual median salary in the computer and IT field was $105,990 as of May 2024, which means many jobs have six-figure salaries.
The BLS projects that all the following information technology jobs will grow much faster than average between 2023-2033.
| 8 Careers You Can Pursue With a CS Degree | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $171,200 | 17% |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $131,450 | 17% |
| Computer Network Architects | $130,390 | 13% |
| Information Security Analysts | $124,910 | 33% |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $123,100 | 9% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 | 11% |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $95,380 | 8% |
| Computer Support Specialists | $61,550 | 6% |
How Much Does an Online Computer Science Degree Cost?
The average annual cost of an online computer science degree is $11,480, but remember that your experience will vary. Some colleges offer in-state tuition rates to out-of-state online students. Others provide CS scholarships, partner with local employers, or offer generous transfer policies to help you save money.
Below, we compare the average cost of an online CS degree to a traditional, campus-based CS degree.
Average Annual Cost of an Online CS Degree
Online CS Degree
$11,480
Traditional, Campus-Based CS Degree
$19,746
Computer Science Programs: Bachelor’s Degree vs. Certificate vs. Bootcamp
Choosing the right path to start your career in computer science depends on your goals, time commitment, and budget. The table below can help you decide which option best suits your needs.
Bachelor’s Degree
- Takes four years to complete
- Costs can total over $80,000
- Includes general education coursework
- Comes with a higher salary potential
- Qualifies graduates to apply for a master’s degree or doctorate in computer science
- May offer job search support
- Usually offered by an accredited school
- Qualifies graduates for many CS jobs that require a four-year degree
Certificate Program
- Takes 4-18 months to complete
- Can cost over $6,000 annually
- Offers only specialized courses
- Results in limited employment opportunities
- Is not the same as a certification
- Often requires 9-36 credits
- Usually offered by an accredited school
Coding Bootcamp
- Takes six months or less to complete
- Costs an average of $13,579
- Does not qualify for federal financial aid
- Provides career-oriented training
- May offer an income share agreement or other deferred tuition options
- Often includes a professional portfolio and job search support
- Is usually unaccredited
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Science Degrees
The best major will help you get a job doing work you enjoy, and indeed, computer science can lead to an engaging, rewarding, and lucrative career. However, it’s not an easy major to pursue.
If you’re considering a computer science degree, set yourself up for success by practicing coding skills, learning new computer languages, and brushing up on your calculus and electrical engineering knowledge.
