Most Affordable Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2025

A 2023 BestColleges survey found that over 60% of college students think inflation has impacted their financial well-being. This has inevitably also impacted their mental health and driven many to second guess their educational choices, such as their major.

Many STEM students are among those questioning their major of choice. The same survey shows that over 50% say inflation influenced their educational decisions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable STEM degree options available. These include online computer science degree programs that can equip you with in-demand skills, such as software development and data analysis at a lower-than-average price.

An online computer science degree program also offers academic flexibility, letting you balance your studies with work and other commitments while still gaining the same education as in-person learners.

Besides tuition, you should consider other factors when comparing the cheapest online computer science degrees, such as program length, career options, and concentrations.

These factors are important, as each can significantly impact your educational experience and job hunt.

According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, an online computer science bachelor’s degree typically costs around $11,000 in tuition and fees per year. However, financial aid can lower the cost to about $7,000 annually.

Online degree programs are usually more affordable than in-person programs, and computer science bachelor’s degrees are no exception. An in-person computer science bachelor’s program can cost over $19,000 in tuition and fees, according to NCES.

If the computer science degrees on your shortlist charge tuition beyond your budget, research scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities, depending on your school. You can also contact the financial aid office or academic advisor for guidance on available resources.

Like other bachelor’s degrees, online computer science programs typically require 120 credits and take full-time students about four years to complete.

However, you can graduate sooner if you take Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school, enroll in an accelerated program, or transfer credits from a prior college experience.

Here are the estimated timeframes to finish a degree from BestColleges’ top three cheapest online computer science degrees for 2025:

With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can pursue several careers in computer and information technology. These include computer and information research scientist, computer programmer, software developer, and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong growth in the computer and information technology field and reports that the average professional in this field earned over $104,000 per year in 2023.

Remember that qualifying for a job with that (or a higher) salary may require an in-demand concentration or significant work experience.

A computer science concentration can help you develop targeted expertise to better prepare you for future career goals. Popular computer science concentrations include:

By focusing on a niche, you can gain in-depth knowledge that aligns with certain industry demands, making you a better fit for specialized roles. This targeted expertise can also open your doors to advanced career opportunities and a higher salary.

Because a concentration can affect your career path, make sure to compare programs closely to find the best fit for you. Program websites may contain information about each concentration’s courses and potential graduate outcomes. You can also consider contacting a college admissions advisor.

A bachelor’s in computer science can be worth it, especially if you want to pursue a high-paying career or qualify for a graduate program.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), computer science graduates enjoyed an average starting salary of $91,410 in 2023. NACE also reports that 84% of graduates experienced a positive career outcome within one year of earning a degree.

Also, if you’re considering enrolling in an online program, note that over half of online students report that coursework aligns with what employers expect from recent graduates. About 80% of learners also report that online education fits within their schedule, an advantage for busy adult degree-seekers.

The latest NACE data from 2023 shows that about 13% of computer science students enrolled in a graduate program soon after earning a bachelor’s.

Consider pursuing a master’s degree if you want to hone your skills, specialize in a computer science subfield, or qualify for a management-level position.

Roles for computer scientists with a master’s include computer and information research scientist. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow by 26% between 2023 and 2033. They earned a median of about $140,000 per year in 2023.

Beyond a master’s degree, you can enroll in a doctoral program, especially if working in academia interests you. Computer scientists working as postsecondary teachers made a median salary of $96,430 in 2023, according to the BLS.