Most Affordable Online Computer Science Programs

Salt Lake City-based WGU offers an online bachelor of science in software development degree. Instead of paying per credit, students pay per term and progress through classes at their own pace. This policy gives students enhanced control over the cost of their education and rewards motivated learners who proceed at an accelerated pace.

This affordable computer programming degree builds two computing certifications into its curriculum: CompTIA and CIW. Degree-seekers can specialize in Java or C#, and WGU maintains generous transfer policies that provide credit for existing proficiencies and professional experiences. On average, students receive transfer credit for about 25% of the program's total requirements. About two-thirds of participants graduate in 30 months (five terms) or less.

WGU strives to help students complete their studies with little to no debt. In 2019, the average debt load of a WGU graduate was less than half the nationwide average.

Students pursuing BU's online bachelor of science in software development join a cohort and progress through classes with a group of their peers. The 127-credit curriculum develops in-demand proficiencies, focusing on topics like Java, Ruby on Rails, SQL, and web applications.

Learners supplement these core topics by mastering networking, information security, testing, user analysis, and business communication skills. The curriculum integrates theory and practice, and applicants should already hold a two-year degree or at least one year of programming experience.

Online learners all pay the same tuition, regardless of their physical location. However, active-duty military members and their spouses qualify for significant tuition discounts.

At FHSU, degree-seekers in the online bachelor of science in computer science program learn to manage information security, networking, and software development needs. The program covers 120 credits, including 65 major credits and 55 general education credits.

Required core courses cover subjects like object-oriented programming, data structures, operating systems, assembly languages, programming languages, and software engineering. Graduates can pursue many professional roles, such as information systems security engineers, system center operations managers, and capacity analysts.

Distance learners can talk to academic advisors to plan out their course schedules and stay on track to graduate. Online students at FHSU all pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Champlain offers a software development degree that students can earn over a compact timeframe. Degree-seekers enroll in three semesters per calendar year, with each semester comprising two seven-week terms. Compared to standard four-year programs, this can expedite graduation by one year or more.

The curriculum of this BS program prioritizes practical, hands-on learning. Requirements and electives cover 23 widely used applications, programming languages, and computing platforms. Students can also customize their degrees by earning certificates in C++, Java, and Visual C#.

Champlain allows eligible learners to transfer in up to 90 credits, including experience-based learning. Out-of-state students do not pay more for tuition, and active-duty military personnel qualify for tuition discounts.

Available through Davenport's Global Campus, the school's bachelor of science in computer science program appeals to learners who want to learn about emerging technologies. After completing core program requirements, degree-seekers can specialize in one of three areas: artificial intelligence, gaming and simulation, or computer architecture and algorithms.

All three specializations reflect fast-growing areas of computer science where experts believe future job growth will concentrate. Learners can supplement their expertise with an applied mathematics minor, further enhancing the degree's value and versatility.

Incoming learners with professional experience and industry-standard certifications qualify for advanced standing. The program prepares students for success on dozens of certification exams, which can help them stand out on the job market.

Focused on career training since its founding in 1898, Husson emphasizes experiential learning, taking a hands-on approach that applies theory to practical situations. The university's online campus offers a bachelor of science in integrated technology with a specialization in software development.

Online, asynchronous courses focus on topics like enterprise software development and utility program proficiencies. Students also gain supplementary competencies, including project management and client communication skills. In addition to 33 credits of major-related classes, students take 30 credits of electives.

Husson accepts up to 90 transfer credits, which can greatly reduce completion timelines for experienced students. The university holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Based in Wichita, Kansas, Southwestern offers an entirely online bachelor's degree in computer programming. Graduates can pursue job opportunities in areas like web development, computer systems analysis, and database development. This regionally accredited institution is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Students pursuing a computer programming degree learn about programming languages like Java, HTML, XHTML, SQL, and CSS. Degree-seekers also develop professional VBA and object-oriented programming proficiencies while honing their critical thinking, logical, and deductive reasoning skills.

Inclusive admission policies extend consideration to all applicants with a high school diploma and at least six postsecondary credits completed with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Military students qualify for tuition discounts of more than 50%.

Florida-based Hodges offers a trio of online computer science programs. Learners can earn a degree in computer information technology, cybersecurity and networking, or software development.

Each of these study paths awards a bachelor of science degree and provides the knowledge needed to pass industry-standard certification exams. For example, graduates can earn credentials like the Cisco-certified network associate and Cisco-certified entry network technician certificates. They can also pursue A+, security+, network+, and Linux+ designations.

Out-of-state students do not pay higher tuition rates. Additionally, as a military-friendly school, Hodges offers discounts to active-duty service members and their spouses.

Based in Flint, Michigan, Baker delivers an affordable and comprehensive 121-credit computer science degree with a computer programming concentration. Three-quarters of the requirements for this online program cover major-related cores.

Emphasizing advanced techniques and a variety of applications, coursework prepares degree-seekers for careers in healthcare, financial services, education, aviation and aerospace, automobile design and manufacturing, and many other areas. As part of the program, participants also complete 300 hours of on-site learning experiences.

As a private institution, Baker charges in-state and out-of-state learners the same tuition rates. The school's generous transfer credit policies can greatly reduce many students' financial burdens while also expediting graduation.

A regionally accredited, nondenominational Christian college that was founded in 1845, Limestone was South Carolina's first institute of higher education for women. Today, learners of all backgrounds and genders pursue postsecondary coursework at Limestone.

Prioritizing distance-based learning and career training, Limestone offers a bachelor of science in computer science with a programming concentration. Designed to build a strong knowledge base in information security, network architecture, and systems administration, degree-seekers also master object-oriented programming skills.

Instructors encourage students to seek creative, efficient solutions to programming problems, improving their long-term professional performance and advancement prospects. Semester-based tuition fees make this one of the region's most affordable computer programming degrees. All qualified online students receive automatic consideration for Limestone's grant and scholarship programs.