Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2026
An online computer science degree can prepare you for lucrative tech jobs in a flexible format.
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2026Employers need computer scientists, and an online degree in computer science can prepare you to step into high-paying jobs without leaving the workforce.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for computer and information research scientists to grow by 26% over the next decade. That’s a much faster pace than average and is only one of the many high-demand roles available with a computer science degree.
Online programs can be highly affordable and often come in an asynchronous format to help you balance school with work and family obligations. We ranked the best computer science programs using affordability and student outcomes.
Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
California State University-Monterey Bay — Best for Personalized Portfolio-Building
- Seaside, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: A portfolio-driven curriculum helps CSUMB students stand out in the tech job market.
For students who want more than lectures and theory, California State University–Monterey Bay’s online computer science program stands out for its portfolio-driven curriculum. Every course emphasizes hands-on, applied projects that allow students to build real software, design innovative solutions, and demonstrate technical skills employers can see. The experience culminates in a publicly showcased capstone project, giving graduates a professional-quality portfolio that sets them apart in the competitive tech job market.
Designed for adult learners and transfer students, the program’s eight-week courses combine structured pacing with collaboration and flexibility. By graduation, students leave not just with a degree, but with a portfolio that showcases their technical skills.
What We Like About CSUMB Online
- CSUMB’s smaller cohort model with only about 35 students means you'll have more personalized access to instructors and advisors.
- Courses are designed to be interactive, with live video orientations and weekly assignment drops on Wednesdays.
- Multiple concentrations and career pathways, including software engineering, network and security, data science, and game development, allow students to customize their degree.
What We Don't Like
- CSUMB Online cannot currently accept students with permanent addresses from a number of states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and more.
- The university charges a $234 extended education fee on top of standard tuition.
48%
$ 6,450
80%
$19,770
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,713
- Institution Type
- Public
College of Our Lady of the Elms — Best for Transfer Students
- Chicopee, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This online BS in computer science program accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
For transfer students seeking computer science degree completion options, the College of Our Lady of the Elms online BS in computer science offers a flexible and career-focused path. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, more than the other colleges on our list, and even awards credit for professional IT certifications, helping students save time and money.
Courses are delivered in accelerated eight-week sessions, allowing many to earn their bachelor’s degree in about 10 months. With small online class sizes, dedicated faculty, and required hands-on experiences like an internship and capstone project, Elms College helps students build both technical skills and job-ready portfolios.
What We Like About Elms College
- Elms College charges online students a flat-rate tuition, meaning that regardless of where you reside, you'll pay $676 per credit hour.
- With smaller class sizes of about 10-17 students, you'll have more personalized access to your instructor.
What We Don't Like
- Despite charging flat-rate tuition for online students, this program is still pricier than the larger public institutions on our list.
52%
$40,095
76%
$40,095
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,268
- Institution Type
- Private
Oregon State University — Best for Accelerated Learners
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This program features an 11-week quarter system with four annual start terms.
Oregon State University’s online BS in computer science is one of the best options for students seeking an accelerated, flexible path to a computing career. The program uses an 11-week quarter system with four start terms per year, giving students the freedom to begin or advance their studies faster than on a traditional semester calendar. Learners can choose flexible academic plans spanning 1.25-4 years, tailoring the pace to their goals and schedules.
The program’s flexibility extends to academic depth and specialization. Students can personalize their studies through the applied computer science or cybersecurity concentration options. They'll also complete a three-term online capstone that mirrors OSU’s on-campus engineering design experience.
What We Like About OSU Online
- All OSU Online students pay flat-rate tuition, meaning you'll pay the same price as in-state students regardless of where you reside.
- OSU also offers an online post-baccalaureate BS in computer science, a 60-credit program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
- Driven students can pursue accelerated master’s or honors pathways, both fully online.
What We Don't Like
- While OSU's required three-term online capstone showcases team-based work in your portfolio, it may present scheduling challenges for busy students balancing other responsibilities.
58%
$12,675
88%
$37,860
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,163
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Arizona — Best Big-Name BS Bang for Your Buck
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Students can earn a BS in computer science and engineering from a top-ranked research university for just $525 per credit.
University of Arizona's online computer science and engineering program allows you to gain hands-on experience in software development, algorithms, data science, and real-time systems. You'll earn the same degree, learn from the same faculty, and be taught the same curriculum as your peers on campus. And at just $525 per credit hour, this program — offered by a top-ranked research institution — is a steal.
By attending a large institution like Arizona, you'll have access to resources like the writing center, where you can benefit from personalized peer-to-peer tutoring or the career development center, which can help you prepare for internships and full-time jobs.
What We Like About Arizona Online
- This program offers accelerated terms and multiple annual start dates, providing added flexibility for working professionals.
- Arizona Online does not charge out-of-state tuition — this means you'll pay what in-state students pay, regardless of where you reside.
- The institution offers strong transfer pathways with statewide agreements in place at Arizona community colleges to minimize the loss of previously earned credits.
What We Don't Like
- Because the University of Arizona — including Arizona Online — is so large, you're less likely to get the personalized, tailored instruction you'd receive at other schools on our list with smaller cohorts.
62%
$11,835
83%
$38,165
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,544
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Colorado Boulder — Best for Career Pivots
- Boulder, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This online BS in applied computer science specializes in helping professionals with prior degrees change or advance their careers.
The University of Colorado Boulder’s online BS in applied computer science is designed for professionals who already hold a degree and want to pivot, advance, or deepen their expertise in tech. This fast, focused second bachelor’s program requires only 45 credits, allowing students to complete the computer science core without repeating general education requirements. Delivered fully online by CU Boulder’s computer science faculty, the program provides academic rigor with professional flexibility.
Students can tailor their studies through course pathways, including tracks for career changers, those preparing for internships, and students aspiring to attend graduate school, making it one of the most strategic and career-focused computer science programs available.
What We Like About CU Boulder
- This fast, focused program requires just 45 credits and can be completed in three years, two years, or in an accelerated format of just under two years.
- Courses are asynchronous, which allows you to complete assignments and learn at your own pace, as long as you meet required deadlines.
- Most in-state students will qualify for Colorado's College Opportunity Fund, reducing tuition to $927 per credit hour.
What We Don't Like
- At over $1,000 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students, this program is the priciest one on our list.
40%
$11,976
89%
$40,320
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,089
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, student support services, and specialization options. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Computer Science Degree
In-demand across industries: Computer science professionals are needed in every sector, with companies embracing tech regardless of their expertise.- Learn key skills: Computer science programs teach both programming and emerging techs like AI and machine learning.
- Work on real-world projects: You’ll work on real-world issues as part of your computer science curriculum.
- Build your professional network: You’ll likely have opportunities to work with your peers and meet industry experts as part of your degree program.
Benefits of Getting a Computer Science Degree Online
- 97% of online program students and program graduates surveyed in our 2024 Online Education Trends Report said they would recommend online education to others.
- 81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- More than half of those students said their curriculum helped them explore job opportunities.
- Online programs are offered in a flexible format so you can study without taking time out of the workforce.
How to Choose the Best Computer Science Program for You
Affordability and student outcomes are key when looking for a computer science program.
Victoria Southall, a CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner, suggests that you “check the curriculum to see that it covers what interests you and if the school has good connections or internship opportunities. It’s also important to consider the cost, flexibility, and whether the school has a strong alumni network.”
Overall, look for an accredited program that fits your personal and professional goals.
How Much Does an Online Computer Science Degree Cost?
Online Computer and Information Science Bachelor’s, 2019-2020
In-State
$7,654 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$4,932 Avg. Net Price
Out-of-State
$9,202 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$6,182 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES Power Stats
Online degree programs tend to be more affordable than traditional, in-person programs. Public institutions are typically more affordable than private colleges, although private schools also often offer generous financial aid. The average out-of-state tuition and fees for an online computer science program in 2019 was $7,654, but that figure was reduced to $4,932 after financial aid.
You can cut down on tuition and fees by filling out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) so that you can receive federal grants. There are also a number of computer science scholarships available as employers scramble to fill workforce needs.
Transferring credits from previous college experience can also help you reduce costs.
Find Financial Aid for Your Computer Science Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Computer Science Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A computer science bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, but that isn’t always the case. Some programs are offered in an accelerated format to help you cut down on the time it takes to earn your degree.
A self-paced program like Western Governor’s University, for instance, allows you to take on higher course loads and finish a degree in as little as two years.
Transferring credits from previous college experience can also help you finish your degree faster, although every institution has its own policies as to which credits count toward a degree.
Accreditation for Computer Science
Programmatic accreditation is a good way to tell whether a computer science program has qualified faculty and teaches relevant, in-demand skills. ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a reputable accreditor of computer science and other tech programs.
ABET weighs factors like student performance and outcomes alongside an institution’s teaching and expertise accrediting programs.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Computer Science Accreditation?
“Accreditation can be useful if you’re going for government jobs, big corporations, or grad school since it proves the program meets certain standards.”
―Victoria Southall, CASP+
What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
A computer science degree opens up jobs across the tech sector. Many programs offer specializations in rapidly growing areas like cybersecurity, information technology, and data science, allowing you to hone your skills in a niche area.
The BLS projects that computer and information research scientists, software developers, and database architects are projected to see rapid growth over the next decade, but that’s just a small sample of the possible roles you can take on with a computer science degree.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $131,450 | Designs and maintains products and apps |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Oversees an organization’s cybersecurity efforts and protects data |
| Web Developer | $84,960 | Designs and develops websites and keeps them up to date |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | Keeps an organization’s computer systems running smoothly |
| Data Scientist | $112,590 | Works with and interprets large amounts of data for an organization |
Learn More About Computer Science Jobs
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
An online computer science degree can boost your earnings without cutting into your personal and professional schedule.
Software engineers, information security analysts, and data scientists all made median annual salaries over $100,000 as of May 2024, according to the BLS, and those jobs are projected to grow over the next decade.
Computer science programs are also incorporating in-demand skills like AI into their curriculums, preparing you with key tech knowledge as you head into the workforce.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Computer Science
A bachelor’s degree is all you need to get started in the tech workforce, but a master’s degree in computer science can eventually build on your work experience to open up even more advanced roles in the field.
Master’s degrees are useful if you want to pursue a more specialized field or pursue a concentration in a subject like AI, information technology, or cybersecurity.
A master of business administration (MBA) degree is also an option if you want to leverage your technical skills in leadership roles. Many MBAs include specializations in tech in addition to their broad instruction in business fundamentals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Science
Computer science programs come in both two and four-year formats. A four-year program typically confers a bachelor’s degree, while a two-year program offers an associate degree. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree in two years.
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