A bachelor’s in computer science online can spark a rewarding career in a variety of fruitful and progressive tech fields. Imagine becoming an architect of the networking world, an analyst in organizational security, or a software developer for industries big and small. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for any of these career paths ranges from 5% to 22%, much faster than average rate through 2029. To explore the degrees best fit to financial ability as well as personal and professional goals is imperative to one’s future as much as the present. Tuition prices between the least expensive and most expensive bachelor’s in computer science online options hit almost $85,000, a make or break number for those attending college as aspiring computer scientists.
GetEducated compared 88 bachelor’s in computer science online from 44 regionally accredited colleges to create this ranking. Below is our editorially independent list of the “Best Buys” for an affordable bachelor’s in computer science online. With this information, GetEducated seeks to help consumers make an ideal choice in their educational pathways.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$51,900
Least Expensive: University of Florida ~ $15,501
Most Expensive: Davenport University ~ $100,480
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest bachelor’s in computer science online programs. The online computer science degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Computer Science Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,501.60 $66,314.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $27,225.60 | All Students |
3 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $28,152.00 $36,312.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $28,160.00 | All Students |
5 | Florida International University | (FL) | $28,286.72 $42,333.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $28,930.00 $37,410.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
7 | University of the Potomac | (DC) | $33,500.00 | All Students |
8 | Central Methodist University | (MO) | $33,675.00 | All Students |
9 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $37,850.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
10 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | Troy University | (AL) | $40,560.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Lamar University | (TX) | $41,856.00 $90,936.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | (CO) | $42,000.00 $37,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,150.00 $49,054.80 $30,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
15 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $46,020.00 $30,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
16 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $46,725.00 $31,125.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
17 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $46,888.00 $52,528.00 $33,688.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
18 |  Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $48,100.00 | All Students |
19 | Liberty University | (VA) | $48,882.00 $30,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
20 | Franklin University | (OH) | $49,417.00 $31,065.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
21 | South College | (TN) | $50,000.00 | All Students |
22 |  Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $50,400.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
23 | Park University | (MO) | $51,240.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
24 | Salem University | (WV) | $51,800.00 $66,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Baker College | (MI) | $52,235.00 $32,270.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Regent University | (VA) | $52,260.00 $34,860.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Limestone University | (SC) | $53,045.00 $29,285.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tiffin University | (OH) | $57,260.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Texas | (TX) | $57,600.00 | All Students | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $59,895.00 | All Students | |
Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $62,472.00 $124,554.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Lakeland University | (WI) | $63,600.00 | All Students | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $64,009.00 | All Students | |
Charleston Southern University | (SC) | $64,490.00 | All Students | |
National University (School Merged) Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 14 | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $67,000.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $67,130.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $69,600.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $82,112.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $82,704.00 | All Students | |
University of Advancing Technology | (AZ) | $88,000.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $100,480.00 $67,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited bachelor’s in computer science online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for computer science may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best bachelor’s in computer science online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Bachelor’s in Computer Science Online
If you enjoy working with computers and have a genuine curiosity about how they function, then a bachelor’s in computer science online may be perfect for you. These programs give you a strong foundation in computer technology, preparing you for a rewarding career in the tech sector.
Bachelor in Computer Science: Degree Program Overview
There are many aspects of technology and computers, and the difference between one discipline, such as software engineering, can seem to blur with another, such as computer science. Computer science is the art of telling a computer what to do. It’s the study of how a computer functions and how certain commands can be implemented to create the desired outcome. Overall, it’s the study of computers, computing systems, and the general theories and aspects of software.
Educationally, students in computer science typically go through classes that involve computing, analysis, data storage, and the application of data. These programs focus on the scientific principles that make computing possible, while other areas of study apply those principles.
Classe will vary by program, but you can expect classes such as “Mobile Programming,” “Full Stack Development,” and “Emerging Trends in Computer Science.” You may learn about managing information systems, statistical concepts, programming fundamentals, and computer architecture.
Best Careers for Computer Science Graduates
A bachelor’s in computer science online involves a wide range of technological principles, preparing you for many high-paying, fulfilling careers.
Computer Hardware Engineer
- Salary: $117,220
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 2%
Computer hardware engineers are responsible for creating the physical objects that make computers possible. From processors to memory devices to circuit boards, these professionals develop, test, and analyze the important components of computers. While expected job growth is below average, hardware engineers enjoy fantastic salaries, while the top 10% earn over $182,000 a year.
To become a computer hardware engineer, you need an education that involves computer engineering classes. An online computer science bachelor’s degree is an excellent start, but you’ll need to supplement your education with computer engineering or electrical engineering.
Computer Research Scientist
- Salary: $122,840
- Education: Master’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 15%
These are the elite technology scientists who create the systems that we use every day. They design and invent new ways to use computers, creating more efficient systems and technology. The often study complex problems involving computers and networks and create viable solutions to a range of issues.
A master’s degree is often required for this career. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is a great start, but you’ll eventually need to complete a master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a similar field. Once your education is complete, you can enjoy a career field where the top 10% earn over $189,000.
Computer Systems Analysts
- Salary: $90,920
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 7%
Computers interact in complex ways, and it’s not always easy to make systems and networks function properly. This is why so many organizations and businesses require the service of computer systems analysts who often hold an online bachelor’s degree computer science. Sometimes referred to as system architects, they help organize and operate computer systems for companies, governments, and organizations.
To work as a systems analyst, you often need a technology-related bachelor’s degree. These important technology experts are heavily involved in the business operations of a company, so classes in business, management, and organization can also be useful. If you have the right skills and work your way into the top 10%, you can enjoy earnings over $147,000 .
Additional Requirements, Including Licensing & Exams
Most tech jobs have no requirement for certifications or licensing. Unlike medical, law enforcement, and legal careers (to name a few), you don’t have to pass a series of tests to become a computer-science professional. In fact, some people working in computer science have liberal arts degrees, and instead picked up their technical knowledge through personal experience.
Eventually, you may want to advance your career beyond a bachelor’s in computer science. Computer research scientists, for example, require post-graduate educations, and master’s degrees can improve your chances of landing a job, and can significantly boost your earning potential.
Regardless of classes, because technology and computer science is an ever-changing field, you will also want to continue learning through informal sources, such as seminars, trade publications, and more.