18 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs – 2024

Have you ever seen The Jetsons, that classic TV show about a family living in a futuristic utopia of flying cars and domestic robots? While this vision of the space age may once have seemed like a science fiction fantasy, that fantastical world isn’t far off. In fact—thanks to today’s technology—we’re already living in it! In the 21st century, we find ourselves in an era where technical skills and proficiency aren’t just advantageous but mandatory for many careers. These skills will benefit you in any industry, from business to health care to government. Maybe you’re looking to make a career change, or perhaps you’re in college, considering switching majors. No matter your circumstances, online computer science degree programs can be the catalyst to transforming that future you envision into reality.

In this article, we’ll focus on online computer science (CS) degree programs. These programs are inherently adaptable. Many have rolling admissions and start dates so that you can pursue your academic goals within the confines of your circumstances and commitments. If, however, you’re looking to apply to a more traditional CS program, we’ve got you covered with a list of institutions that house high-quality, in-person CS degree programs.

Now, onto the list!

Why should I attend an online computer science degree program?

There are many benefits to attending an online computer science degree program. An online degree typically offers cheaper tuition costs than a traditional degree. Additionally, an online program allows students to learn where they’re comfortable and balance their schoolwork with other life commitments. These programs are especially helpful for students who may be working while they complete their degrees, who have families, or who are nontraditional students.

Moreover, some online computer science degree programs allow students to receive credit for life experience. This is an extremely helpful way to save money if you’ve been working in the field for some time.

As you’ll find in our list below, every program is slightly different in its coursework, but all provide students with a foundation in essential areas like data programming, information technology, programming languages, and system analysis. Some offer more in-depth specialization in areas like artificial intelligence and robotics, while others aim to give students a broader taste of the industry. Either way, whatever computer science degree program you enter will provide you with the necessary skills to enter the technological workforce or take your current career to the next level. And once you have that CS degree in hand, the sky is the limit! (Or, if you end up working for SpaceX, Mars may be the limit. You never know!)

How do I prepare for a computer science degree?

To know if CS is the right degree program for you, there are several steps you can take in advance to prepare. First, you’ll want to brush up on those math skills. Computer science and math are like peanut butter and jelly—they go together! Next, consider completing some logic puzzles to improve your problem-solving skills. Third, why not start learning how to code? Since this is the backbone of any CS program, you’ll want to get your hands dirty learning Python, Java, and C++ (Python is an excellent beginner language that is the foundation of many college-level introductory computer science courses). Attend conferences, workshops, and hackathons to immerse yourself in the tech community. Finally, you might consider attending a computer science summer program, which will allow you to enhance your skills and build relationships with other aspiring techies.

What To Do with Your Computer Science Degree

The sphere of computer science is vast and filled with wonders. As mentioned above, a degree in CS is invaluable and can prepare you to enter nearly any field. But what is the job outlook for computer science majors?

Take a gander at the fastest growing jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notice anything? That’s right: data scientist positions are growing at an unbelievable rate of 35%, information security analysts are growing at a rate of 32%, and software developers are growing at a rate of 26%. Two other CS-related occupations—computer and information research scientists and operations research analysts—are also on this list, with both growing at a 20+% rate.

As you see, tech gurus are needed everywhere. What’s more: the earnings potential once you have a bachelor’s in computer science is relatively high. According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for software developers is $130,160 while computer and information research scientists make an average of $145,080. So, you might think of this crucial degree as a high-return financial investment!

How We Chose Our Online Computer Science Degree Schools

At College Transitions, we understand the gravity of selecting your future school. We aim to empower all our students to make educational choices that align with their career goals and personal circumstances. In drafting this list, we considered several factors, which include:

• Affordability: We looked at tuition rates, scholarships and financial aid availability, and each program’s investment return.
• Format: One of the most tremendous benefits of an online program is its flexibility. In the age of Zoom and AI, we are forward-thinking regarding digital education.
• Career Prospects: We’re proud to say that every school on this list offers services to enable their students to set off on the right career path. Many provide employment opportunities and internships with technology companies. In putting together this list, we also considered graduate employment rates and average salary upon graduation.
• Course Requirements: We’ve looked closely at the course requirements of each program, from the number of credits required to graduate to the seminars and lectures offered. If a program offers a specialization or concentration, we’ve listed that below.

Ultimately, we’re committed to giving you as much information as possible to help you decide on the best online computer science degree for you. We’ve tried to provide as comprehensive an overview of each as possible, but we encourage you to visit the school’s website to learn more.

The Best Online Computer Science Degrees in 2024

1) University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, FL

Average Undergrad Tuition: $111 per credit hour (in-state); $552 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Program Highlights:

• UF online graduates earn the same degree that they would have earned on-campus.
• Accommodates incoming freshman, lower and upper-division transfer students, and students who would like to earn a second bachelor’s degree.
• Electives are offered in digital logic, digital design, computer architecture, and microprocessor applications, among others. Independent research, co-op, and practical work experience courses are also available.

2) Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Average Undergrad Tuition: $180 per credit hour (in-state); $686 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Program Highlights:

• Students develop essential skills in programming, database structure, computer organization, and operating systems.
• Programming languages learned include C, C++, and Assembly Language.
• Program includes an embedded minor in mathematics & is ABET/CAC accredited—students are well-prepared for graduate study, should they choose to go that route.

3) Arizona State University

Location: Tempe, AZ

Average Undergrad Tuition: $574 per credit

Program Highlights:

• Students follow the same curriculum and learn from the same instructors as on-campus students.
• All students complete a computer science capstone project and have access to internship assistance & career services.
• Students take a total of 41 classes to earn their degree.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs (Continued)

4) Oregon State University

Location: Corvallis, OR

Average Undergrad Tuition: $428 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Offers two programs of study: applied computer science and cybersecurity.
• Includes a capstone, which is a three-term, online course sequence involving an engineering design project.
• Offers an online honors degree, the possibility of an accelerated master’s program, and a postbaccalaureate computer science program for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

5) Simmons University

Location: Boston, MA

Average Undergrad Tuition: $500 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• At least 17 college credits are required to be admitted to the program, and up to 96 transfer credits are accepted.
• All online classes are live and face-to-face.
• Students take foundational courses in data structures, information technology, statistics, and programming languages, among others. In addition, everyone completes a capstone course in software engineering.

6) Auburn University

Location: Auburn, AL

Average Undergrad Tuition: $558 per credit

Program Highlights:

• Designed as a “completer” degree, meaning that non-major coursework can be satisfied by acceptable transfer credit.
• Five 7.5-week terms are offered per calendar year.
• Courses are available in data structures, algorithms, software engineering, software construction, mobile application development, and web development, among many others.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs (Continued)

7) Southern New Hampshire University

Location: Manchester, NH

Average Undergrad Tuition: $330 per credit

Program Highlights:

• Requires 120 total credits to graduate and accepts up to 90 credits in transfer.
• Offers four concentrations: data analysis, project management for STEM, information security, and software engineering.
• Students learn Python, Java, and C++ as well as the ins and outs of full-stack development and cloud integration.

8) Colorado State University-Global Campus

Location: Aurora, CO

Average Undergrad Tuition: $375 per credit

Program Highlights:

• Requires the completion of 120 total credits to graduate.
• Aligned with standards for Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, and C++ Certified Associate Programmer.
• Available specializations include artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, web application development, and virtualization & cloud computing.

9) University of Illinois Springfield

Location: Springfield, IL

Average Undergrad Tuition: $367 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Offers degrees in Computer Science and Information Systems Security.
• Computer science curriculum has been certified by the Committee of National Security Systems and the National Security Agency.
• Opportunity to take on National Science Foundation-sponsored research, publish papers, and present at conferences.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs (Continued)

10) Maryville University of St. Louis

Location: St. Louis, MO

Average Undergrad Tuition: $540 per credit

Program Highlights:

• Allows you to tailor your education with one of six certificates: artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, data science, software development, or user experience/interface.
• Includes a capstone project as well as an optional internship.
• Build experience in programming languages that include C, C++, Java, PHP, Python, R, SAS, and Swift, among others.

11) Saint Leo University

Location: Saint Leo, FL

Average Undergrad Tuition: $425 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Online students regularly complete internships with companies such as Verizon, Tech Data Corporation, and Pasco County Sheriff’s Department, among many others.
• Learn programming skills in C/C++ and Java.
• The computer science program is run by industry experts and developed based on IEEE and ACM guidance.

12) City University of Seattle

Location: Seattle, WA

Average Undergrad Tuition: $525 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Requires 180 credits to graduate; possible to earn your degree in less than three years.
• The BS in Applied Computer Science is based on three certificate programs: Cisco Certified Network Associate, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
• Emphasis on IT areas that include applications, platforms, development, data, and communication.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs (Continued)

13) Concordia University-Saint Paul

Location: Saint Paul, MN

Average Undergrad Tuition: $420 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Requires 120 credits to graduate.
• Students take a wide variety of courses, from mathematics to programming languages.
• Seniors also complete a computer science capstone, where they work in teams to build a medium-sized software.

14) Franklin University

Location: Columbus, OH

Average Undergrad Tuition: $398 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Offers flexible start dates.
• Allows you to transfer up to 94 credits from another institution.
• Offers hands-on assignments where you collaborate with peers on cutting-edge software development projects.
• Offers microcredentials in computer science, data science, and information technology.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs (Continued)

15) Lewis University

Location: Romeoville, IL

Average Undergrad Tuition: $625 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Offers an accelerated degree program geared toward working adults; each class is eight weeks long.
• Ability to earn credits for previous work experience via PLA (Prior Learning Assessment).
• 24/7 access to virtual machines that allow you to complete hands-on exercises on your own schedule.

16) Charleston Southern University

Location: North Charleston, SC

Average Undergrad Tuition: $515 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Offers Bachelor of Technology online, which requires students to hold an associate’s degree in an approved technical field and have taken at least one in-person programming course.
• Every student completes a senior project that provides hands-on experience.
• Requires 125 hours of coursework to graduate; recommended timeframe for degree completion is 17-24 months.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs (Continued)

17) Baker College

Location: Owosso, MI

Average Undergrad Tuition: $450 per credit hour

Program Highlights:

• Requires 120 hours to graduate, which most students complete in four years.
• Students complete 75 credit hours in the computer science major and 15 hours in the computer programming concentration.
• Every senior completes a year-long project where they apply their knowledge to a real-world computing problem and receive 150 hours of work experience with a company in their field.

18) Western Governors University

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Average Undergrad Tuition: $3,985 per term

Program Highlights:

• 60% of students finish their degree within 25 months.
• The program consists of 38 courses, including a capstone project.
• Offers additional industry certifications in Linux and AXELOS ITIL, which are both included in the cost of tuition.
• WGU grads see a salary increase of about $17k after earning their degrees.

Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs – Additional Resources

For additional resources, we recommend checking out the following relevant College Transitions articles:

• 13 Best Coding Jobs
• Changing Your Major to Computer Science
• Computer Science Programs for B Students
• Best Python Bootcamps
• 6 Easiest Programming Languages to Learn
• How to Earn a Computer Science Degree
• Computer Science BA vs. BS