Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2025

An online computer science degree can prepare you for lucrative tech jobs in a flexible format.
Bennett Leckrone
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Updated April 22, 2025
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Employers 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.

Computer Science Highlights

  • Computer science jobs are growing much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Programs usually take 120 credits or four years to complete, though accelerated options are available.
  • 93% of online program students and graduates we surveyed for the BestColleges Online Education Trends Report said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

Source: BLS, BestColleges

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Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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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.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

BestColleges Top-Ranked-2025 Badge2025
  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

#1

College of Our Lady of the Elms

Chicopee, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$38,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Elms College's online BS in computer science is a degree-completion program structured in eight-week sessions. With a generous transfer policy, you only need to complete 42 credits at the college to earn your degree. You can also get credits for IT certifications.

Major requirements include an internship and a professional programming project. You can also take electives like game design or a professional web design project. You'll have enough electives to take additional minors or a second major.

Pros

  • Transfer up to 78 credits
  • Potential second major
  • Asynchronous learning structure

Cons

  • Degree-completion program only
  • Requires self-discipline
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,776

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,776

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

1,278

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,735

Chicopee, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,735

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,776

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,776

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

1,278

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Elms College's online BS in computer science is a degree-completion program structured in eight-week sessions. With a generous transfer policy, you only need to complete 42 credits at the college to earn your degree. You can also get credits for IT certifications.

Major requirements include an internship and a professional programming project. You can also take electives like game design or a professional web design project. You'll have enough electives to take additional minors or a second major.

Pros

  • Transfer up to 78 credits
  • Potential second major
  • Asynchronous learning structure

Cons

  • Degree-completion program only
  • Requires self-discipline
#2

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The BS in computer science from the University of Illinois Springfield can open up National Science Foundation-sponsored research, publication, and conference presentation opportunities for students. Whether you're completing courses online or on campus, you'll have access to a virtual server farm that hosts over 2,200 virtual machines.

Thanks to a partnership with State Farm Insurance, you'll have internship opportunities and recruitment visibility upon graduating. You can choose from electives like algorithm design, NoSQL databases, and digital imaging processing. You'll also take a software engineering capstone course.

Pros

  • Enhanced job placement opportunities
  • Flexible asynchronous learning format

Cons

  • 12-credit hour transfer limit for major requirements
  • Core classes must be taken at UIS
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,408

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,661

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,410

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,410

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

83%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,408

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,661

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

The BS in computer science from the University of Illinois Springfield can open up National Science Foundation-sponsored research, publication, and conference presentation opportunities for students. Whether you're completing courses online or on campus, you'll have access to a virtual server farm that hosts over 2,200 virtual machines.

Thanks to a partnership with State Farm Insurance, you'll have internship opportunities and recruitment visibility upon graduating. You can choose from electives like algorithm design, NoSQL databases, and digital imaging processing. You'll also take a software engineering capstone course.

Pros

  • Enhanced job placement opportunities
  • Flexible asynchronous learning format

Cons

  • 12-credit hour transfer limit for major requirements
  • Core classes must be taken at UIS
#3

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$36,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Lewis University's fully online BS in computer science is an accelerated program for adult learners with prior work experience. Courses are taught in an eight-week format with small, interactive classes. You'll take courses like object-oriented programming, database systems, and a software systems capstone project.

To be admitted, you must have 30 transferrable credits and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. You must also demonstrate significant work experience or military training and write a personal statement outlining how you'll succeed in the program.

Pros

  • Designed for adult learners
  • Credit for prior learning and work experience

Cons

  • Concentrations not available to online students
  • Only available to transfer students
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,760

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,760

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

6,513

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,320

Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,320

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

74%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,760

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,760

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

6,513

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Lewis University's fully online BS in computer science is an accelerated program for adult learners with prior work experience. Courses are taught in an eight-week format with small, interactive classes. You'll take courses like object-oriented programming, database systems, and a software systems capstone project.

To be admitted, you must have 30 transferrable credits and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. You must also demonstrate significant work experience or military training and write a personal statement outlining how you'll succeed in the program.

Pros

  • Designed for adult learners
  • Credit for prior learning and work experience

Cons

  • Concentrations not available to online students
  • Only available to transfer students
#4

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$24,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Maryville University's online BS in computer science places a unique focus on experiential learning through its capstone requirement, class projects, and optional internship. With MU's Early Access program, you can count up to 12 undergraduate credits toward a master's degree.

You can satisfy major requirements by pursuing a certificate in AI, cybersecurity, data science, software development, or user experience. Enrollees take courses like natural language processing, digital forensics, and DevOps.

Pros

  • Built-in certificate option
  • Potential 4+1 option

Cons

  • Less generous transfer policy
  • Limited access to professors
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,346

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,346

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

9,883

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,766

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,766

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

83%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,346

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,346

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

9,883

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Maryville University's online BS in computer science places a unique focus on experiential learning through its capstone requirement, class projects, and optional internship. With MU's Early Access program, you can count up to 12 undergraduate credits toward a master's degree.

You can satisfy major requirements by pursuing a certificate in AI, cybersecurity, data science, software development, or user experience. Enrollees take courses like natural language processing, digital forensics, and DevOps.

Pros

  • Built-in certificate option
  • Potential 4+1 option

Cons

  • Less generous transfer policy
  • Limited access to professors
#5

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,356

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

In UW-Platteville's bachelor of science in applied computing program, you'll gain professional communication skills, a foundation in project management, and web development experience. The program includes a capstone project.

To be considered for the program, you'll need a high school or GED diploma and must meet college prep course requirements. If you are under the age of 22, you must also be in the top 50 percent of your graduating class. You do not need to submit test scores if applying as a first-year student.

Pros

  • Generous transfer policy
  • Asynchronous courses

Cons

  • Requires self-discipline
  • Limited access to professors
  • Courses offered based on student demand
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,191

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,356

Platteville, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,356

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,191

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

In UW-Platteville's bachelor of science in applied computing program, you'll gain professional communication skills, a foundation in project management, and web development experience. The program includes a capstone project.

To be considered for the program, you'll need a high school or GED diploma and must meet college prep course requirements. If you are under the age of 22, you must also be in the top 50 percent of your graduating class. You do not need to submit test scores if applying as a first-year student.

Pros

  • Generous transfer policy
  • Asynchronous courses

Cons

  • Requires self-discipline
  • Limited access to professors
  • Courses offered based on student demand

Why You Should Get a Computer Science Degree

  • minusIn-demand across industries: Computer science professionals are needed in every sector, with companies embracing tech regardless of their expertise.
  • minusLearn key skills: Computer science programs teach both programming and emerging techs like AI and machine learning.
  • minusWork on real-world projects: You’ll work on real-world issues as part of your computer science curriculum.
  • minusBuild 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

  • minus97% of online program students and program graduates we surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
  • minus81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
  • minusMore than half of those students said their curriculum helped them explore job opportunities.
  • minusOnline 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

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.

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.

Image of Victoria Southall

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.

Popular Computer Science Jobs
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2024)Description
Software Engineer$131,450Designs and maintains products and apps
Information Security Analyst$124,910Oversees an organization’s cybersecurity efforts and protects data
Web Developer$84,960Designs and develops websites and keeps them up to date
Computer and Information Systems Manager$171,200Keeps an organization’s computer systems running smoothly
Data Scientist$112,590Works with and interprets large amounts of data for an organization

Source: BLS

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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