An online computer science degree program can give you the skills you need to enter careers coding websites, developing predictive data models, designing complex algorithms, or teaching the next generation of CS professionals.
From associate to a doctoral degrees, fully online computer science programs are available at all higher educational levels. The flexibility of online study can allow you to complete at least some of your coursework on your own schedule, making it easier to balance earning a degree with the demands of family and professional life.
Use this guide to learn what you need to know about online computer science degrees, including which schools offer the best programs and which level of computer science degree can help you reach your career goals. Start with our ranking of 2024’s best schools for online computer degrees, and then dive into how online CS degrees work, how to get financial aid, and why accreditation is important for online learning.
Top Online Computer Science Degrees for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Manchester, NHPrivate not-for-profit $$
Southern New Hampshire University offers one of the most comprehensive online bachelor’s of science in computer science. Along with teaching the foundations of the field, students can choose between four concentrations: data analysis, project management for STEM, information security, and software engineering. No matter what concentration they choose, all classes are online and asynchronous, so students can take classes whenever they fit into a student’s schedule. Southern New Hampshire also offers out-of-class academic and professional resources which are 100% online and available 24/7. Their career-centered resources are particularly good and help set students up for success in internships and the job search after graduating. They also use the industry standard technologies in all classes so graduates are equipped with the knowledge they need to successfully enter the field upon graduation.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $320/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
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Mississippi State, MSPublic $$
Mississippi State University offers an in-person or online degree in computer science. No matter which option students choose, the program focuses on teaching students foundational computer science skills and lets them tailor their individual degree to what interests them. The online program is designed to be as research intensive and interactive as the in-person version. Because of this, online classes must be taken on a synchronous schedule and class participation is required. Many of the career and academic resources can be accessed online too. The program’s career resources in particular are quite strong, with graduates landing jobs at big tech companies such as Microsoft and IBM. They also have a robust, working knowledge of the currently used and up-and-coming technologies and programming languages and integrate them into the curriculum.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science
- Credits: 128
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $391.75/credit in-state | $4,699.00/credit out-of-state
- Mode: in-person or online
- Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
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Raleigh, NCPublic $$
The computer science program at North Carolina State University at Raleigh prepares students for jobs in tech or a master’s degree. They offer a rigorous curriculum with options for students to specialize in cybersecurity or game development. Students can also choose a dual track with entrepreneurship and cybersecurity. The degree can be taken either entirely online or entirely in-person and both options offer synchronous classes with in-class participation. They also are number one in the nation for the most females in tenure track positions and have an on-campus organization for women entering tech. Along with this organization, they have plenty of other campus groups and professional development resources to make sure students get the most out of their degree.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science
- Credits: 72
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: 974.40/credit in-state | 2,636.67/credit out-of-state
- Mode: Hybrid or fully-online
- Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
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Columbia, MOPublic $$
University of Missouri – Columbia invites students to “power their futures” with a degree in computer science. Along with offering core courses in software systems, cybersecurity, and networking, they also offer courses in cloud computer, artificial intelligence, and big data. The courses are offered in-person or online, though many online professional development and academic resources are available to students. Most students start out in the core classes their first two years with the option to customize the last two years with electives related to their individual interests. There’s also an accelerated option where students can complete bachelor’s and master’s in under five years. Should students choose to pursue the accelerated program, the master’s degree is offered online.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science
- Credits: 31
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $1,200/credit
- Mode: hyrbid
- Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
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Springfield, ILPublic $$
The bachelor’s of science in computer science from the University of Illinois Springfield prepares students with the foundational knowledge and theories they need to enter into a technology field or to pursue an advanced degree in the field after graduating. Unlike some other computer science programs, this one is completely online, with some synchronous classes and other asynchronous courses that students can complete on their own schedule. Throughout the program, students work closely with an academic advisor to tailor their electives to their academic and professional interests, ensuring students are set up for success. To be eligible, applicants should have already completed certain high school or college-level courses, such as JAVA programming and business calculus or advanced calculus.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s of Science in Computer ScienceE
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $358.50/credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
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Stillwater, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Moscow, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Rolla, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Newark, NJPublic $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Fort Collins, COPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Boulder, COPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Cape Girardeau, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Boca Raton, FLPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Corvallis, ORPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Harrisonburg, VAPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Omaha, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Atlanta, GAPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Norfolk, VAPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Fayetteville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Frankfort, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Pensacola, FLPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Kennesaw, GAPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Manhattan, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Magnolia, ARPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Lubbock, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Huntington, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Montgomery, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
McAllen, TXPublic $
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Columbus, GAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
La Grande, ORPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Dearborn, MIPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Auburn, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Owosso, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Fairfax, VAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Normal, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Columbia, SCPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Bronx, NYPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Dickinson, NDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Madison, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Lakewood, COPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Troy, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Durant, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
24/1
-
Austin, TXPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Chattanooga, TNPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
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Carrollton, GAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
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Miami, FLPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Which Online Computer Science Degree is Right for You?
Online computer science degrees range from skill-focused certificates to doctoral degrees. When choosing a program and deciding how far you want to take your education, consider your motivations, specific career goals, and how much you’d like to earn. Whether you’re writing your first lines of code or already have a bachelor’s in computer science, there’s an option to move your career forward.
Taking the First Step with an Online Associate in Computer Science
An associate degree in computer science focuses on the core disciplines necessary to prepare you for entry-level roles in the field. Because they usually take about two years to complete, associate degree programs can be a wise choice if you’re eager to begin a career in web design or entry-level computer programming. You’ll complete coursework that fulfills general degree requirements along with major-focused topics in introductory programming, mathematics, and data organization. Once you’ve earned an associate degree, you’ll be ready to enter the job market or transfer to a bachelor’s program to continue your studies in computer science.
Building Core Skills with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Online
A bachelor’s degree in computer science offers greater depth than associate degrees in the fundamental areas of study needed for entry-level careers. The coursework typically takes four years of full-time study to complete and includes higher-level topics such as engineering, calculus, and programming languages. Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree in computer science, you’ll be prepared to pursue employment in entry-level positions in computer engineering and software design. If you’d like to continue your education or advance your career, a bachelor’s can be a stepping stone to a master’s or doctoral degree in computer science.
Advancing and Specializing with an Online Master’s in Computer Science
Master’s degrees in computer science focus on a specialized area of study that can improve your marketability for senior-level positions and increase your earning potential. These degree programs may also accommodate students who received their bachelor’s degree in another field but want to pivot to a computer science-related career. Most students complete their master’s degree in 18 months to two years with full-time study. Once you’ve completed this degree, you can be qualified for niche careers in the field, including computer and information research science and machine learning engineering. Some people choose to pursue a PhD after receiving a master’s.
Climbing to the Top with an Online Doctoral Degree in Computer Science
A doctoral degree is the highest achievable degree in computer science. It could be an ideal choice if you’re focused on becoming a college professor, conducting research to advance the field, or applying computer science theory to complex scenarios. A doctoral degree builds on the concepts explored in other computer science degrees and takes most students four to five years to complete. Studying for a PhD involves extensive independent work, so these degrees adapt particularly well to earning a computer science degree online.
Alternative Paths to Learn Computer Science Online
Traditional degrees aren’t the only online option that can advance your computer science career. Undergraduate and graduate certificates, professional certificates, and bootcamps offer career-oriented training that can help you land a job as a software developer or learn new professional tools in a specific programming language. Certificates and bootcamps focus solely on computer science-related skills and technologies, so they take less time and money investment to obtain than a traditional degree.
Undergraduate Certificates
Undergraduate certificates prepare students who haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree with strong fundamental skills they’ll use as software developers or programmers. These certificates can require as few as nine hours of course study. Kansas State University developed a computer science undergraduate certificate to send students into the workforce ready for jobs in computer science. Other schools provide certificates focusing on a particular coding language, like Cornell University’s Python online certificates.
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates offer professional training to students who have earned a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, students actively work in a computer science-related field and want to enhance their qualifications. Others may choose a graduate certificate program as a career launchpad into the computer science field. Drexel University’s online post-baccalaureate certificate in computer science is designed specifically for students who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines. Graduate certificates can also prepare students for a master’s degree program, like Loyola University’s online computer science certificate program.
Professional Certificates and Bootcamps
Professional certificates and bootcamps are designed to provide a non-degree pathway to entry-level computer science jobs. Concentrating on practical skills that transfer directly to employment, these programs send students on to pursue careers such as software engineer and web developer in a short amount of time. Open course sites like Coursera host online computer science certificate programs, and bootcamps provided by coding organizations or major colleges are another popular path to learning major coding languages and technologies used in the field. Northwestern Coding Bootcamp is a fully remote classroom experience that teaches in-demand skills in as little as 12 weeks. Some of these credentials are transferable to course credit if you decide to apply for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
FAQs About Computer Science Degrees Online
When considering your educational options, it’s normal to have questions about how a computer science degree online compares to a traditional degree. Some of the most common concerns surround accreditation, cost, and potential career outcomes for students. To help you be as informed as possible, we’ve put together a list of questions prospective students ask as they consider earning a computer science degree online.
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Do online computer science degrees have the same accreditation as on-campus programs?
Many top universities that offer in-person computer science degrees also offer computer science degrees online, with the same accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a program meets specific academic standards and can affect your ability to transfer credits or receive financial aid. To verify if a program you’re considering is accredited, you can check the school’s website, the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation database.
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How much will my online degree in computer science cost?
The overall cost of earning your computer science degree online can vary. The level of degree you’re seeking, which institution you choose to attend, and in-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates can all affect the bottom-line price of your degree. You may find that some online programs are less expensive than on-campus programs. Higher-level degrees usually cost more per credit hour than associate or bachelor’s programs.
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Can I get financial aid for my online computer science degree?
Many students need financial aid to pay for their education, whether they attend online or in person. Like students in on-campus programs, students earning their computer science degree online at an accredited school can receive financial aid, including federal aid, and scholarships. Remember that you’ll still need to fill out the FAFSA form to confirm eligibility and determine how much aid you qualify for.
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How much do online computer science degree holders make?
Online computer science degree holders can anticipate a range of salaries depending on their level of education and career path. According to Payscale.com, web developers can expect to make $60,949 per year on average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports computer programmers earned a yearly median salary of $93,000 in 2021, while information security analysts earned $102,600 during that same time. For careers requiring a master’s degree, computer and information research scientists earned a median yearly salary of $131,490, and professionals with a doctorate in computer science make an average of $131,000 per year, according to Payscale.com.
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Are computer science grads in high demand?
Graduates with computer science degrees are some of the most in-demand workers in our current job market. The 2021-2031 job outlook data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identified computer-science-related professions as growing at 15% (much faster than average), making this a highly employable career field for computer science graduates.
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What skills and traits will help me succeed in a computer science degree program?
The coursework for computer science degrees can be challenging. Successful candidates will have the capability to excel at analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Many courses require higher-level mathematics and evaluation of complex concepts. Developing consistent study habits, pursuing creative solutions to problems, and being willing to consistently learn new skills will help you succeed in studying for your computer science degree online.
Resources for Future Computer Science Students
As you pursue your computer science degree online and prepare for a successful career, building a solid portfolio and qualifications can make all the difference in becoming a highly desirable candidate. Online resources for prospective computer science students can guide you in sharpening your resume, learning coding languages, or challenging yourself to take your skills to the next level. Keep reading for six resources to help future computer science students succeed.
Rasmussen University Technology Blog
If you want to craft a computer science resume that’s sure to stand out from a crowd of candidates, this post on the Rasmussen University blog offers professionals’ top tips. You’ll find helpful hints on the education, technical skills, experience, and soft skills employers are looking for.
Code Academy
Code Academy provides free lessons in 14 coding languages to anyone ready to begin coding and learning technical tools. Through interactive, hands-on assignments, quizzes, and projects, students gain experience and write code. Code Academy is a valuable resource for beginners to try coding or learn a new professional skill.
freeCodeCamp
More than 40,000 people have gotten their first job as a developer thanks to freeCodeCamp’s programming curriculum and certifications. The program includes a recommended progression of certifications that will provide aspiring developers with a wealth of hands-on programming experience.
edX
This extensive open online course provider was created by Harvard and MIT. Here, you’ll find university-level courses and professional certificate programs that cover everything from Computer Science 101 to Machine Learning with Python.
GitHub
GitHub is one of the most popular source code hosting facilities where millions of developers share code. Setting up a profile on GitHub is a fantastic way for computer science students and graduates to share their coding projects and contribute to open-source projects. You’ll learn from others as you build a reputation as a developer. Plus, a GitHub profile can function as an impressive addition to your resume.
Code Wars
As part of this educational computer programming community, developers challenge themselves with small training exercises called “kata.” These exercises can help you develop more robust coding and problem-solving ability as you solve challenges and compare solutions with other community members.
