Most Affordable Online Computer Science Programs

An online bachelor’s in computer science offers a great educational and professional pathway to students interested in how technology, data, and people interact with each other. Graduates go on to help individuals, businesses, and governments improve their systems and networks.

Students can look forward to a secure and robust job market, since so many companies rely on computer science professionals. Graduates tend to earn above-average salaries, often in the six figures.

Read on to learn about the top online schools for computer science, common classes, available career paths, and opportunities for financial assistance.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The cost of a bachelor’s in computer science depends on where a student decides to attend. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state public schools cost an average of $9,349 for tuition and fees in the 2019-20 academic year. Private schools, on the other hand, cost an average of $32,769.Out-of-state students typically pay higher tuition rates for public schools. However, in some cases, public schools may charge in-state tuition to all students regardless of where they live.

Before making any decisions, degree-seekers must make sure they understand the true program cost — including tuition, fees, and related costs.

When considering an online bachelor’s in computer science, students should think about whether they would like working in computer science jobs. Most individuals who choose this path enjoy learning about the latest technologies. They also enjoy troubleshooting issues and looking for ways to maximize efficiency.

Some computer science programs offer concentrations to help students focus their knowledge in particular areas of the discipline. Concentration offerings vary among programs. Common options include video game design and development, software engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Most computer science students must participate in a semester-long internship. Internships provide opportunities for learners to network with professionals and gain hands-on skills.

Before committing to an online bachelor’s in computer science, prospective students must do their research to understand whether the program aligns with their career goals. Students looking for secure, well-paying jobs often gravitate toward this path.

Nearly every individual, company, nonprofit, and even government agency relies on computer science professionals. For this reason, jobs in the field continue to expand. Many graduates hover just below or above the six-figure mark, while those with more experience can earn more.

Graduates may find themselves working in industries including software development, network architecture, cybersecurity, and hardware design.

See where a bachelor’s in computer science degree can take you. Learn more about computer science careers.

Also known as systems architects, these professionals analyze companies’ computer and network systems and suggest ways to improve for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Computer systems analysts look for ways to boost functionality while managing costs. They keep their finger on the pulse of new technologies that can prove beneficial.

These professionals use data to understand and explain the phenomena occurring around them. Data scientists help their organizations make better business decisions.

These professionals keep their organizations’ systems and networks safe. Information security analysts continually monitor for signs of security breaches while installing and updating firewalls and encryption software. They may also work with ethical hackers to find weak points of entry in the system.

Given networks’ important role in nearly every business, network and computer systems administrators are critical to most companies. These professionals install new hardware and software based on company needs. They also optimize existing systems’ performance, create accounts, and train new users on system functionality.

Software developers may work in house or in freelance or consulting roles. After understanding their clients’ needs, these professionals design apps and other systems to meet those demands. They write code, test program functionality, and make ongoing tweaks and upgrades as needed.

Graduates of an online bachelor’s in computer science may return to school to upgrade their credentials and compete for more senior positions. Depending on their end goal, students can pursue a master’s in computer science and/or a doctorate in computer science programs.

These programs vary in terms of length. Some schools offer specializations in areas such as human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and machine learning. Some positions, such as those for computer and information research scientists, require candidates to possess at least a master’s degree.