Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs 2024
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2024You need expert advice when choosing the best online computer science degree. Best Colleges uses a complex methodology and independent research to recommend top BA and BS in computer science programs. Our editorial policy also means that you receive advice from highly trained subject matter experts.
A bachelor’s degree can qualify you for a well-paying computer science career, such as a computer programmer. Professionals in this role earn a median salary of $99,700, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other jobs you can get with a computer science degree may pay more, depending on how much experience you have.
Featured Online Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Auburn University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Best Colleges’ research shows that Auburn has the highest retention rate of all bachelor’s degree in computer science programs. Other great reasons to attend Auburn include a high graduation rate, low student debt default rate, and higher-than-average four-year completion rate for low-income degree-seekers. Learners can also earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate entirely online.
Auburn’s online computer science bachelor’s degree requirements include classes in operating systems, algorithms, and mobile application development. You also take classes in software construction and ethics. You need an associate degree or at least 30 transferable credits of prerequisite coursework to apply.
Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2024
Auburn University
Auburn, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$30,240
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$30,240
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled31,526
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,065
- Out-of-state$29,456
- In-State$13,446
- Out-of-state$27,297
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled33,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled10,596
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$39,260
- Out-of-state$39,260
- In-State$14,063
- Out-of-state$14,063
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled5,566
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- Platteville, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,418
- Out-of-state$15,057
- In-State$7,831
- Out-of-state$17,191
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,773
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,015
- Out-of-state$30,570
- In-State$12,528
- Out-of-state$30,756
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled15,189
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Norwich University
- Northfield, VT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,624
- Out-of-state$41,624
- In-State$20,264
- Out-of-state$20,264
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled3,672
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
- In-State$15,590
- Out-of-state$15,590
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled10,330
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
William Jessup University
- Rocklin, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$36,000
- Out-of-state$36,000
- In-State$13,924
- Out-of-state$13,924
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,685
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
More Computer Science Degree Programs
Look beyond the top five best online computer science degrees when choosing a BA or BS in computer science. Other great universities Best Colleges found include the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Degree-seekers pay a low tuition rate and can choose from 20 fully online bachelor’s degrees.
Also, take time to research Norwich University and Regent University. Combined, both schools feature more than 40 bachelor’s and 50 doctoral degrees. The typical Regent undergraduate also pays less than $20,000 per year in tuition.
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
Computer science is a good degree for many students, but the answer depends on your interests, education goals, and career goals. Consider the following pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros
The highest-paying jobs with a computer science degree pay a median salary of more than $100,000 per year.- The BLS projects the need for many jobs with a computer science degree, such as computer and information research scientist, to grow by more than 26% between 2023-2033.
- A computer science career promotes lifelong learning.
- You can use your degree to work in different fields.
Cons
You may find computer science challenging if you lack a solid foundation in mathematics or find the subject uninteresting.- Earning a degree may mean going into debt.
- It can take you four or more years to earn a BA or BS in computer science.
- The BLS projects a decline in the need for some computer science generalists.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Computer Science Program
Consider many factors when choosing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, such as cost. High per-credit tuition at a private school may put you into debt. You might want to start your education at a local community college before transferring to an online bachelor’s program.
Flexibility should also impact your decision, as synchronous online programs may not let you work full or part time. Asynchronous online programs let you complete coursework and view lectures when convenient.
Research the program’s length. A typical bachelor’s should take about four years for full-time degree-seekers. A master’s degree takes about two years to complete.
Accreditation shows a university provides a good education, preparing graduates for a career or further study. The ability to transfer credits and financial aid availability will also be higher from these institutions. Master’s and doctoral programs may advertise programmatic accreditation, such as that from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
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