Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs 2024
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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You need expert advice when choosing the best online computer science degree. Best Colleges uses a complex methodology and independent research to recommend top BA and BS in computer science programs. Our editorial policy also means that you receive advice from highly trained subject matter experts.
A bachelor's degree can qualify you for a well-paying computer science career, such as a computer programmer. Professionals in this role earn a median salary of $99,700, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other jobs you can get with a computer science degree may pay more, depending on how much experience you have.
Featured Online Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Auburn University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Best Colleges' research shows that Auburn has the highest retention rate of all bachelor's degree in computer science programs. Other great reasons to attend Auburn include a high graduation rate, low student debt default rate, and higher-than-average four-year completion rate for low-income degree-seekers. Learners can also earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate entirely online.
Auburn's online computer science bachelor's degree requirements include classes in operating systems, algorithms, and mobile application development. You also take classes in software construction and ethics. You need an associate degree or at least 30 transferable credits of prerequisite coursework to apply.
Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Auburn University
Auburn, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $471
Out-of-State | $1,377
Credits to Graduate: 120
Auburn's online bachelor of computer science helps students who have already completed acceptable transfer coursework to finish their degrees. The program requires 20 in-major courses, including engineering I and II, algorithms I and II, data structures, and computer ethics.
Each fully online course lasts 7.5 weeks, and learners can enroll in up to five terms per year. To graduate, students need a 2.0 GPA on all Auburn courses and major coursework. Applicants need appropriate preparatory coursework.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $409
Out-of-State | $409
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
Oregon State's BS in computer science online features two degree options: applied computer science and cybersecurity. Applied computer science students build their own program of study while cybersecurity learners discover how to design compromise-resistant computer systems. Both programs require 60 upper-division credits.
Students at Oregon State may take fully online, asynchronous courses or combine their e-learning experiences with on-campus instruction. The program operates on a quarter-credit system, and students can enroll at one of four start dates. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 123
Maryville's online bachelor of science in computer science prepares students for real-world technology careers through experiential and project-based learning. The collaborative, fully online program helps students build expertise in programming languages and earn one of six in-demand professional certifications — artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, data science, software development, or user experience/user interface (UX/UI).
Students can apply up to 12 undergraduate computer science credits toward a relevant master's degree from Maryville. Applicants should hold a GED certificate or high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: ABET
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $589
Out-of-State | $589
Credits to Graduate: 120
Regis' accelerated BS in computer science can equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to solve complex technology problems for businesses. Coursework includes algorithms and complexity, distributed systems computation theory, ethical leadership in computer science, and a senior capstone. Each online course lasts eight weeks.
Students may opt for dual credit, counting undergraduate courses toward both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Regis. Applicants need a high school diploma, transferable credit, or evidence of work experience. Regis accepts up to 66 transfer credits.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 61
UW-Platteville's online bachelor of science in applied computing prepares graduates to solve technology problems in business settings. Students must complete 61 credits through UW-Platteville, either online or on campus. Courses provide technical, business, and legal skills through hands-on learning projects.
Applicants should have completed prerequisite coursework in college algebra. Prospective students with an associate degree from the UW system already meet these admission requirements.
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $480
Out-of-State | $1,194
Program Length: Four years
Credits to Graduate: 75-77
The University of Missouri-St. Louis BS in cybersecurity, computer science emphasis degree program is designed for students pursuing careers in a range of technical professions including cyberdefense analysis, cyberdefense incident response, and security architecture.
The online program covers the nuts and bolts of cybersecurity — a field projected to grow up to 31% by 2029. Courses include computer architecture, technical writing, and introduction to information security.
Norwich University
Northfield, VT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 120
The Norwich University Bachelor of Science in computer science and information systems is a 100% online degree program designed to provide a full complement of computing skills, from programming to software engineering to system design. Students also explore underlying mathematical principles while developing critical thinking skills. The university fosters a hands-on approach to learning in its fully digital classroom, overseen by expert faculty.
The program prepares students for computer science and information systems positions in the public and private sectors. You do not need standardized test scores to apply.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Part Time | $450
Full Time| $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Looking to develop your marketable skills? The Regent University BS in computer science program was designed with that goal in mind. Gain a stronger understanding of programming, database management, operating systems, and computational processes.
Available fully online or at the school's campus in Virginia, this program helps students acquire key industry certifications while learning about challenges and issues related to working in the tech field. As with other Regent programs, this program's coursework and instruction occur alongside education in Christian values and principles.
William Jessup University
Rocklin, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Program Length: 3-4 years
Credits to Graduate: 128
As part of the bachelor’s in computer science online degree program at William Jessup University, students learn practical IT skills that make them stand out from the crowd and set them up for rewarding careers in tech. Gain proficiency in several programming languages, web design and development, and software engineering. Students at the online Christian university also are grounded in matters of ethics, intellectual property, security, and information integrity. Every competency provided is designed to make a fast impact in the workplace.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
More Computer Science Degree Programs
Look beyond the top five best online computer science degrees when choosing a BA or BS in computer science. Other great universities Best Colleges found include the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Degree-seekers pay a low tuition rate and can choose from 20 fully online bachelor's degrees.
Also, take time to research Norwich University and Regent University. Combined, both schools feature more than 40 bachelor's and 50 doctoral degrees. The typical Regent undergraduate also pays less than $20,000 per year in tuition.
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
Computer science is a good degree for many students, but the answer depends on your interests, education goals, and career goals. Consider the following pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros
-
The highest-paying jobs with a computer science degree pay a median salary of more than $100,000 per year. -
The BLS projects the need for many jobs with a computer science degree, such as computer and information research scientist, to grow by more than 20% between 2022-2032. -
A computer science career promotes lifelong learning. -
You can use your degree to work in different fields.
Cons
-
You may find computer science challenging if you lack a solid foundation in mathematics or find the subject uninteresting. -
Earning a degree may mean going into debt. -
It can take you four or more years to earn a BA or BS in computer science. -
The BLS projects a decline in the need for some computer science generalists.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Computer Science Program
Consider many factors when choosing a bachelor's degree in computer science, such as cost. High per-credit tuition at a private school may put you into debt. You might want to start your education at a local community college before transferring to an online bachelor's program.
Flexibility should also impact your decision, as synchronous online programs may not let you work full or part time. Asynchronous online programs let you complete coursework and view lectures when convenient.
Research the program's length. A typical bachelor's should take about four years for full-time degree-seekers. A master's degree takes about two years to complete.
Accreditation shows a university provides a good education, preparing graduates for a career or further study. The ability to transfer credits and financial aid availability will also be higher from these institutions. Master's and doctoral programs may advertise programmatic accreditation, such as that from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 17, 2024.