Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2025

The computer science field features many well-paying jobs. Learn more about the best online computer science degrees.
Thomas Broderick
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Updated September 17, 2024
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.


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You 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.

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Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs of 2025

#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
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

#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
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

#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
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

#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
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

#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
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

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

  • check-circle The highest-paying jobs with a computer science degree pay a median salary of more than $100,000 per year.
  • check-circle 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.
  • check-circle A computer science career promotes lifelong learning.
  • check-circle You can use your degree to work in different fields.

Cons

  • x-circle You may find computer science challenging if you lack a solid foundation in mathematics or find the subject uninteresting.
  • x-circle Earning a degree may mean going into debt.
  • x-circle It can take you four or more years to earn a BA or BS in computer science.
  • x-circle 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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