Labor market experts consider computer science to be one of the most future-proof subjects a career-minded person can study. In a 2022 review of the 25 best college majors, Kiplinger placed three computer-related fields in the top 10. Computer engineering and computer science ranked first and second, respectively.
A bachelor's degree is typically an entry-level requirement for many computer and information technology roles. Affordable online computer science degrees deliver extra value by reducing your schooling costs while positioning you for high-growth careers with strong salaries.
This guide profiles the unique features of affordable online computer science degrees. Explore a ranked list to source programs that might meet your educational and career development goals.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Affordable Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degrees
How We Rank Colleges and Bootcamps
ComputerScience.org ranks computer science degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. We also rank bootcamps and certificate programs. Our top priority is ensuring that you find the best fit for your education. We use up-to-date national statistics and focus on factors like return on investment, academic quality, and affordability.
Take a closer look at our rankings on our rankings methodology page.
What Factors Into an Online Bachelor's Affordability?
Tuition price is the biggest component of a degree's affordability. However, students should also consider how factors like program format, financial aid and scholarship availability, and enrollment status can affect their overall costs.
Tuition
Computer science degree costs can vary significantly. Colleges may set prices on a per-semester, pre-credit, or per-year basis. Whether tuition is "cheap" or "affordable" is subjective. However, a cheap degree typically refers to a program that costs less than average.
The College Board reports that, for the 2023-2024 school year, one year of tuition and fees at a public four-year school cost $11,260 for in-state learners. Based on this data, students may pay more than $45,000 for a computer science bachelor's degree at a typical public institution.
Online programs commonly offer perks that make them more affordable. For instance, public colleges often extend in-state tuition rates to all online students, even if they live out of state. Some schools even maintain a separate schedule of lower fees for their fully online degrees. Still, programs may include additional per-credit or per-semester tech fees for online learners.
Enrollment Status
Whether you study full time or part time can influence how much you pay for a bachelor's in computer science.
A part-time student may find it easier to hold a job while in school. However, taking fewer classes at once will extend the timeline for your degree. If a school charges tuition by the semester or year, part-time learners can end up paying more than students who graduate in four years. With per-credit tuition, however, attending part time while working in the field can help you stay on budget.
Research your school's tuition format to understand the pros and cons of attending part time versus full time.
School Location
The location of the school you choose for your online computer science bachelor's degree can affect cost.
Depending on where you live, you may need to pay out-of-state tuition rates to attend a public university online. In-state learners usually pay much lower rates. Make sure to find out if you will pay in-state, out-of-state, or a special online tuition rate.
Students who select hybrid programs should consider additional expenses like commuting, parking, and housing.
Delivery Format
Many students find online-only courses more convenient and flexible than in-person or hybrid programs.
Asynchronous courses let learners log on to learn on their schedules, while synchronous courses require students to meet in a virtual classroom at specific times. Asynchronous programs may make it easier to continue working — especially in remote positions — and earning income while in school.
Online programs often provide access to in-person or online internships. Completing an internship can help students develop real-world experience and get a foot in the door with employers.
Financial Aid
Private schools often charge higher tuition than public institutions. However, private schools may offer more financial aid, potentially making them an affordable option. Do not assume that the publicly stated tuition is what students end up paying.
The National Association of College and University Business Officers reports that private, nonprofit schools in the United States offered an average tuition discount of 54.5% for first-year undergraduates as of the 2021-2022 school year. Some private institutions hold no-loan policies, promising to meet 100% of students' demonstrated financial need.
Types of financial aid include federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. Students can also access work-study programs, a form of aid that helps learners make money through part-time jobs. Loans must be repaid, while grants and scholarships do not require repayment.
All college students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges, government agencies, and scholarship providers use this form to determine financial aid eligibility. Some schools have a priority FAFSA deadline — research each prospective school's submission deadline to ensure you apply in a timely manner.
How Can You Pay for an Online Degree in Computer Science?
Even students pursuing affordable online computer science degrees may still need help paying for their degrees. As free money that does not require repayment, scholarships are the best option to consider. The list below is not exhaustive but provides a helpful selection of scholarships for computer science students.
Apply for Computer Science Scholarships
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship-North America
Requirements: This award honors women who are exceptional technology students. Undergraduates and master's students in computer science, software engineering, or adjacent subjects can qualify. Candidates must be enrolled in accredited colleges in the United States, Canada, or Mexico and planning to return for the next academic year.
Award: $7,000
Deadline: March 22, 2024
National Society of High School Scholars STEAM Scholarship
Requirements: Open to high school students planning to major in a STEAM field, this scholarship requires an academic resume, headshot, and educator recommendation. Applicants also must submit transcripts and complete an essay question. Candidates can optionally submit evidence of their leadership.
Award: $1,000
Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
Requirements: Microsoft offers this scholarship for computer science and other STEM majors pursuing bachelor's degrees in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (out of a possible 4.0) or a minimum 4.0 GPA (out of a possible 5.0).
Award: Varies
Deadline: March 13, 2024
Reduce Education and Living Expenses
Students can make the cheapest online computer science degrees even cheaper by looking for creative ways to cut expenses.
Rent / Use Digital Textbooks: College textbooks are expensive, and most students do not reuse them after completing the course. So, consider renting books instead of buying them. Look for textbook rental options through your school's bookstore or online booksellers. Some schools may have digital copies of textbooks, or a hard copy on reserve at the library.
Choose an In-State Public School: Tuition is typically much more affordable for in-state learners at public schools. Out-of-state students pay much higher tuition rates. Tuition prices at private schools are even higher, although financial aid packages can reduce the cost of attendance.
Complete Two Years at a Community College: Many students make four-year degrees less expensive by completing the first two years at community colleges. These schools usually charge significantly lower tuition rates. Make sure to research how easily you can transfer credits to your desired computer science bachelor's program before you choose this option.
Overload Credits: If your school charges tuition by the semester or year, overloading credits may help you save money by accelerating your program. Enrollees can often shave off a semester or more by taking extra credits each term. Ensure that you can handle the extra coursework if you pursue this path.
Live with Family/Roommates: Tuition is not the only cost to consider for your educational pursuit. Students can save money on housing by living with family or splitting rent with other people.
Will an Affordable Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Pay Off?
Even an affordable computer science degree may demand a considerable amount of time and money, and no degree guarantees a job. However, the best computer science bachelor's programs can prepare graduates for high-paying careers in diverse industries, making this degree a worthwhile investment for many students.
When comparing affordable degree costs, calculate your estimated return on investment by researching factors like prospective schools' alumni employment records and salary-to-debt ratio. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer and information technology professionals earned a median annual salary of $104,420 as of May 2023.
Choosing an in-demand concentration or minor can increase your degree's value and improve your career and salary prospects after graduation. Consider specializing in a high-demand area like cybersecurity.
FAQ About Cheap Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degrees
Start by choosing one of the most affordable online computer science degrees. You can also rent textbooks instead of buying them, overload credits to graduate sooner, and choose an in-state public school.
