Best Online Computer Science Degrees
TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
With a computer science degree, you could embark on one of today’s most in-demand careers, such as a data expert, computer engineer, or computer science researcher. As a computer expert, 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.
Featured Computer Science Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Best Online Computer Science Degrees
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,135
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Johnson & Wales University
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,365
- Out-of-state$13,365
- In-State$14,706
- Out-of-state$14,706
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled2,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled10,596
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,065
- Out-of-state$29,456
- In-State$13,446
- Out-of-state$27,297
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled33,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Central Methodist University
- Fayette, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,240
- Out-of-state$6,240
- In-State$6,075
- Out-of-state$6,075
- Retention Rate33%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,242
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,180
- Out-of-state$12,180
- In-State$12,510
- Out-of-state$12,510
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled4,969
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- Platteville, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,418
- Out-of-state$15,057
- In-State$7,831
- Out-of-state$17,191
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,773
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,815
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree Overview
Degree types:
- Bachelor of Science (BS): A BS exposes students to the technical components of computer science. The curriculum includes more math, physics, and practice-oriented classes than a BA in computer science.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): A BA incorporates more liberal arts courses than other computer science degrees. This degree emphasizes the creative aspects of technology and may be suitable for aspiring web designers or human-computer interaction researchers.
- Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS): A BCS emphasizes the mathematical, scientific, and social influences that affect computer science. This degree may best suit students who do not plan to earn a graduate degree.
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE): A BE in computer science focuses on computer engineering, and students learn to apply mathematics and engineering principles to computer technology. This degree could lead to a master’s in engineering.
Common concentrations:
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Engineering
- Scientific Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Bioinformatics
- Theory and Computation
Average Annual Cost of Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Online Programs
$11,480
Campus-Based Programs
$19,746
Average Program Length
4 years (full-time)
6 years (part-time)
Why Get Your Computer Science Degree Online?
- Flexible scheduling lets you study when 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 quickly, too.
- Many online degrees 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 an out-of-state fee).
Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree vs. Certificate vs. Bootcamp
Bachelor’s Degree
- Four years to complete
- Costs can total over $80,000
- Includes general education coursework
- 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
Certificate Program
- 4-18 months to complete
- Can cost over $6,000* annually
- Only specialized courses
- Limited employment opportunities
- Not the same as a certification
- Often requires 9-36 credits
- Usually offered by an accredited school
Coding Bootcamp
- Six months or less to complete
- Costs an average of $13,579
- Federal financial aid does not apply
- Career-oriented training
- May offer income share agreement or other deferred tuition options
- Often includes a professional portfolio and job-search support
- Usually unaccredited
A bachelor’s degree in computer science requires about 120 credits, takes four years, and often costs tens of thousands of dollars.
In this program, you typically complete about 60 general education credits alongside your major courses. Graduates can apply for entry-level jobs or master’s programs in computer science.
Colleges and universities may also offer one-year certificate programs focusing on a narrower set of courses and skills. These certificates may include graduate or undergraduate courses.
Coding bootcamps, by contrast, are short-term, intensive training programs that are typically unaccredited. They are designed to launch graduates into the workplace as soon as possible.
Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Courses
An online computer science bachelor’s degree helps you build broad knowledge in IT concepts such as programming, network security, and database systems.
You’ll also gain general communication, teamwork, and project management skills when taking computer science courses.
Algorithms
Algorithms play a major role in computer science, factoring into everything from search engines to social networks. This course gives you an overview of algorithmic design, implementation, and analysis. You may also learn how algorithms work to solve other computer problems in diverse areas, such as linguistics and statistics.
Database Systems
Databases store information, making them a crucial component of computing. This course introduces you to the fundamental functions and capabilities of database systems, including storage, indexing, and query optimization. You may also learn about database application development and security mechanisms for safeguarding data.
Software Engineering
Software engineering includes many stages: planning, design, and implementation. This course gives you an overview of the software development life cycle (SLDC) and basic skills such as coding, structured analysis, and project design. These courses often include individual or team projects, giving you practical experience in software design.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity courses cover major approaches and tools for securing computer networks and digital data. This class introduces you to the fundamentals of digital security, such as encryption and coding for secure systems. You may also study cryptography, which focuses on theoretical approaches to encryption.
Fundamentals of Computing
Most programs include an introductory course on the major elements of computer science, including hardware, programming languages, operating systems, and applications. This course may also give you an overview of the history of computing and computer science.
How to Choose an Online Computer Science Program
Computer science is a diverse field — different programs give you different career options. Before you choose an online computer science degree, think about these five major steps.
- 1
Outline Your 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, tuition cost is a major 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, can demonstrate a school’s commitment to the department and the discipline. ABET accredits only bachelor’s programs and does not apply to graduate degrees.
- 5
Connect With Faculty, Students, and Alumni
A school’s program page can only tell you so much. Before you commit to a computer science program, try to connect with people involved in the program to ask questions. Consider asking faculty what distinguishes their program from others, ask current students about their course experiences, and ask alumni about their professional outcomes.
Computer Science Salary and Career Outlook
In general, a computer science bachelor’s degree prepares you for high-paying careers with strong job growth potential. The annual median salary in the field is $95,000, and many jobs have median six-figure salaries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects all jobs in information technology will grow much faster than average between 2023 and 2033.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $169,510 | 17% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $145,080 | 26% |
| Computer Network Architects | $129,840 | 13% |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $130,160 | 17% |
| Information Security Analysts | $120,360 | 33% |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $117,450 | 9% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,800 | 11% |
| Computer Programmers | $99,700 | -10% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $95,360 | -3% |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $92,750 | 8% |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Science Degrees
Yes, you can get a computer science degree online. You will have to take the same 120 credits that you would take on campus, including general education and major subject courses. However, your degree will be from the same institution as if you studied on campus, and your diploma will not likely say the word “online.”
Each school determines its own unique admission requirements. These usually include a high school diploma or equivalent, acceptable standardized test scores, and an admissions essay. A few schools require you to hold an associate degree or an equivalent number of credits before enrolling in an accelerated bachelor’s program in computer science.
Whether earned online or in person, a computer science degree from an accredited school holds value in the marketplace.
Online education is growing in popularity. The NCES reported that in 2021, 61% of undergraduate students were enrolled in at least one online course, up from 36% in 2019.
As online education becomes more common, it also grows more accepted. As early as 2019, Northeastern University found that 71% of organizations had hired at least one employee with an online degree.
A computer science degree builds high-level knowledge of information technology theories and practices, and coursework is typically challenging. A natural inclination for technology and math will serve you well if you plan to pursue this field of study. You can also take advantage of academic tutoring and other support services at most colleges.
Most computer science degrees can lead to top jobs, but some of the highest-paying specializations include IT management, network architecture, and software development. Other strong majors include network security and database administration.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed December 1, 2023.
