Looking for the best online computer programming associate’s degree from an accredited school at a truly affordable cost? With so many colleges offering such a rich variety of options, it’s easy to get lost in the search for the online computer programming associate’s degree that fits a student’s career aspirations as well as their current budget. An associate’s degree in and of itself comes with a myriad of options, from AA and AS transfer degrees to vocational AAS programs. Computer programming is an incredibly competitive field, with a BLS projected outlook of negative 9% throughout 2029. Web, game and software developers, however, have above average projected rates of increase in the marketplace. No matter which path a student decides to take, taking on an online computer programming associate’s degree can be one of the biggest financial challenges in this journey. The difference in tuition between the cheapest and most expensive associate programs can reach over $64,000.
GetEducated has compared 91 online computer programming associate’s degree programs from 67 regionally accredited schools to create this “Best Buy” list. Our rankings reveal the most affordable options in the United States—52 options with prices offered below the national average. Don’t let the financial burden of earning a degree keep you from attending college in a competitive marketplace.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$13,300
Least Expensive: Cerro Coso Community College ~ $2,768
Most Expensive: Academy of Art University ~ $67,021
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 online computer programming associate’s degree. The online computer programming degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Computer Programming Associate’s Degrees
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cerro Coso Community College | (CA) | $2,768.00 $19,748.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Palomar College | (CA) | $2,864.00 $20,264.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Rio Salado College | (AZ) | $4,140.00 $11,060.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,092.00 $17,956.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Trident Technical College | (SC) | $5,095.40 $21,497.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Guilford Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,109.00 $17,589.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Wayne Community College | (NC) | $5,124.00 $17,604.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Guilford Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,185.00 $17,857.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,244.00 $18,492.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Bladen Community College | (NC) | $5,255.00 $17,735.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Pitt Community College | (NC) | $5,382.00 $18,246.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Isothermal Community College | (NC) | $5,438.00 $18,494.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Pitt Community College | (NC) | $5,458.00 $18,514.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Central Piedmont Community College | (NC) | $5,583.00 $18,639.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Nash Community College | (NC) | $5,796.00 $19,428.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Cochise County Community College District | (AZ) | $5,824.00 $9,792.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Southwestern Community College - NC | (NC) | $6,106.00 $19,738.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Seminole State College of Florida | (FL) | $6,793.80 $23,443.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Metropolitan Community College Area | (NE) | $7,029.00 $10,296.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $7,030.25 $10,293.75 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Great Basin College | (NV) | $7,035.00 $10,245.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | (FL) | $7,192.80 $14,013.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | St. Petersburg College | (FL) | $7,605.00 $24,114.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Hinds Community College | (MS) | $7,800.00 $13,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Southeastern Technical College | (GA) | $7,950.00 $14,650.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Dallas College | (TX) | $8,100.00 $12,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Saint Johns River State College | (FL) | $8,265.00 $34,980.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Waubonsee Community College | (IL) | $8,400.00 | All Students |
29 | Northern Wyoming Community College District | (WY) | $8,580.00 $20,460.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Community Colleges of Spokane | (WA) | $8,853.00 $10,779.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 | Volunteer State Community College | (TN) | $9,044.00 $15,680.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Madison Area Technical College | (WI) | $9,468.27 | All Students |
33 | Moraine Park Technical College | (WI) | $9,529.60 | All Students |
34 | Moraine Park Technical College | (WI) | $9,678.50 | All Students |
35 | Moraine Park Technical College | (WI) | $9,976.30 | All Students |
36 | Northwood Technical College | (WI) | $10,093.60 $14,399.50 | In-State Out-of-State |
37 | Danville Community College | (VA) | $10,205.00 $17,062.50 $11,732.50 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
38 | St. Philip's College | (TX) | $10,380.00 $28,140.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | Ivy Tech Community College | (IN) | $10,473.00 $12,022.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 | Northcentral Technical College | (WI) | $10,604.80 $15,049.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
41 | Illinois Central College | (IL) | $10,962.00 | All Students |
42 | Bismarck State College | (ND) | $11,389.20 $16,205.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
43 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | (OH) | $11,444.40 $21,562.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
44 | Lone Star College System | (TX) | $11,700.00 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 | Stark State College | (OH) | $11,800.60 $19,669.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | Roane State Community College | (TN) | $12,299.00 $45,311.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
47 | Macomb Community College | (MI) | $12,390.00 $15,614.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
48 | Minnesota State College Southeast | (MN) | $12,438.00 | All Students |
49 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College | (MN) | $12,738.00 | All Students |
50 | Macomb Community College | (MI) | $12,780.00 $16,108.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
51 | Northwest Iowa Community College | (IA) | $12,870.00 | All Students |
52 | Riverland Community College | (MN) | $13,083.60 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Atlantic Cape Community College | (NJ) | $14,277.00 $17,277.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Lewis-Clark State College | (ID) | $14,864.00 $41,376.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Lake Superior College | (MN) | $15,044.40 | All Students | |
Vincennes University | (IN) | $15,356.00 $17,754.80 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Western Iowa Tech Community College | (IA) | $15,396.00 | All Students | |
Harrisburg Area Community College | (PA) | $16,320.00 $19,320.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Austin Community College District | (TX) | $17,160.00 $21,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Community College of Allegheny County | (PA) | $17,381.00 $24,461.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Amridge University | (AL) | $17,900.00 | All Students | |
Front Range Community College | (CO) | $18,249.40 $24,132.40 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Southeast Technical College | (SD) | $18,538.00 | All Students | |
Champlain College | (VT) | $19,230.00 $15,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Dakota State University | (SD) | $21,075.00 $22,390.20 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Dakota State University | (SD) | $21,075.00 $23,047.80 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
University of Toledo | (OH) | $21,892.80 $21,992.80 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Fisher College | (MA) | $25,900.00 | All Students | |
Limestone University | (SC) | $27,467.00 $15,191.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
MidAmerica Nazarene University | (KS) | $28,242.00 | All Students | |
Florida National University | (FL) | $34,360.00 $16,360.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Central Penn College | (PA) | $39,094.00 | All Students | |
Academy of Art University | (CA) | $67,021.00 | All Students |
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.
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited online computer programming associate’s degree programs. Associate ranks include Associate of Science, Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees from both 4 & 2 year schools. AS & AA are typically best for transfer, while the AAS degree is career-oriented. 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 associate 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 an associate 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 programming 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 online computer programming associate’s degree for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Online Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Career Guide
We use applications, software, and websites on a daily basis. With the rapid growth of connected technology, there is an ever-growing need for programmers, designers, and developers. If you love technology, then consider an online computer programming associate’s degree from a leading institution!
Computer Programming, Game, Web, and Software Design Associate’s Program Overview
The specific classes and themes taught during an online computer programming associate’s degree can vary, but in general you can expect to learn the fundamentals and principles of software, interactive games, websites, and other tech-related topics. Much of the focus for these programs will be on the specific tools and applications that are used to develop computer programs and websites. Once complete, you will have a strong understanding for C++ programming, Java script, HTML coding, and any other programming language that may be appropriate for your career goals.
Learning to work as part of a team will also be important to your education. Whether you are focused on developing complex websites, advanced applications, or the latest hit video games, you can’t do it alone, so learning the various roles and how to work efficiently will also be important.
The exact classes will vary depending on your specific courses, but you can likely expect to learn about…
Game Development:
- Game engines
- Game programming
- Game theory
- 3D modeling
- Game marketing
Programming:
- Operating systems
- Programming logic
- Networks
- IT security
- System analysis
Software Development:
- Web applications
- Object-oriented programming
- System analysis
- Database design
- Database management
There can, of course, be a lot of overlap. Programming and software development can seem extremely similar and may cover many of the same topics, yet there are subtle and important differences between the two.
Best Careers for Programming, Game, Web & Software Design
When you complete an online computer programming associate’s degree, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers, including…
Software Developer
- Salary: $107,510
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 22%
Software development is a high-demand, well-paying field that gives you the chance to create the applications and systems that people use every day. While a bachelor’s degree is usually needed, there are career options for people with only an online associate’s degree in computer programming. (However, you can likely expect earnings to be lower.) An associate’s degree in computer programming also gives you a foundation of knowledge that can be used towards an eventual bachelor’s degree.
Besides the massive potential for pay, there is also a reality that software developers enjoy a career field that is expected to grow by 22%.
Web Developer
- Salary: $73,760
- Education: Associate’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 8%
Few associate-degree jobs bring incomes as high as a web developer. With only two years of study (or less if you work extremely hard), you can graduate with a college degree and enter a field that has a median salary over $73,000. In fact, the top 10% can expect earnings over $142,000!
A web developer is focused specifically on websites. They are responsible for the overall look and functionality of sites, and develop the site’s technical and visual aspects. In this career, you would likely work on teams that include graphics designers and programmers, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Multimedia Artist & Animator
- Salary: $75,270
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 4%
While the vast majority of multimedia animators and artists will need bachelor’s degrees, there may be available jobs for people who only hold an associate’s degree. These professionals create the design and appearance of digital media and entertainment, enhancing the visual appeal of video games, television shows, movies, and more.
The pay for this career is strong, but if you work your way into the top 10% you can expect annual salaries over $139,000.
Additional Requirements, Including Licensing and Exams
Most of these careers do not require licensing or certifications. Essentially, as long as you have the appropriate skills, you are perfectly within your legal right to working as a computer programmer, software designer, or game developer.
However, you may find that job options are limited if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, so many people who complete these associate-level programs will transition (either right away or after a few years of work) to a four-year program. Fortunately, many of the prerequisites may have already been completed, so completing the bachelor’s will likely take less than four years if you already have an associate’s.
Informal education is also important. Technology changes rapidly, so staying up to date on software changes, programming innovations, or consumer demands is critical for maintaining your career success. But it can all begin with an affordable online computer programming associate’s degree!