For students looking to kickstart their careers in the in-demand field of computer science, enrolling in an accessible, flexible two-year online degree program is an excellent choice. These programs can provide various career opportunities, such as becoming a computer network support specialist with a median salary of $71,530. Those pursuing further education can find lucrative roles in software development, earning a median salary of $132,270, or cybersecurity, with a median salary of $120,360.
These programs can be completed in just two years, halving the traditional timeline for earning a bachelor’s degree and expediting your entry into the workforce or graduate school.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the Two-Year Online Computer Science degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 4 Accredited Two-Year Online Computer Science Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
North Hennepin Community College
Intelligent Score: 99.45In-state: $20,114
Out-of-state: $20,114
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$220
Online, Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
60
University of Arkansas Grantham
Intelligent Score: 97.08In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
$305
Online
Distance Education Accreditation Commission
120
Ivy Tech Community College
Intelligent Score: 95.08In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$170
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Oregon State University
Intelligent Score: 93.47In-state: $9,846
Out-of-state: $29,445
In-state: $13,257
Out-of-state: $13,257
SAT: 1080-1310
ACT: 21-29
$577
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
60
How to Choose a Two-Year Online Computer Science Program
Choose your area of study
Computer science is a relatively broad field, making it essential to choose an area of study or specialization to help you tailor your degree to your career goals. This also makes you more marketable in specific fields.
For instance, those interested in creating applications and systems may enjoy concentrating in software development, while individuals keen on safeguarding information will thrive in cybersecurity. Analytical students who enjoy interpreting data may opt for data science, and those interested in managing and optimizing network systems may prefer network administration.
Research schools and programs
With your specialization in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs to find the best fit. Here are some questions to guide your research:
- How does the curriculum support my intended specialization?
- What are the faculty’s industry experience and qualifications?
- What’s the flexibility of the class schedule?
- Are career support services available for online learners?
Most of this information will be readily available on program websites, but you can also find it by speaking to an admissions counselor or attending an information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
While some admissions requirements vary depending on the program, many share similar criteria — including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
Not all programs require test scores, but for those that do, enrolling in an SAT or ACT prep program can help boost scores. Double-check specific program requirements early to ensure you meet all criteria and have enough time to prepare and gather the necessary documents.
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Take some time to revisit your initial criteria and focus on what’s most important to you — whether that’s a curriculum that clearly supports your goals, faculty you’re excited to learn from, or program flexibility.
Then, review the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses. Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable option, but don’t lose sight of each program’s academic quality. This will help you find a program that meets your educational needs and budget.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Paying for your degree can feel intimidating, but many financial aid resources are available to help. First, submit the FAFSA to access grants, which don’t require repayment. Next, apply for scholarships based on merit or need. Look for work-study opportunities to earn money while studying, or if you’re currently employed in a related field, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
If loans are necessary, federal loans are preferable to private loans due to better interest rates and repayment terms. The FAFSA will also determine your eligibility for these loans.
What Can You Expect From a Two-Year Online Computer Science Program?
You can set your expectations for a two-year online computer science program mainly by the degree level you’re pursuing, with many programs offering two-year options at the associate and bachelor’s level.
For associate programs, you can expect to gain foundational skills in programming, databases, and network systems. Curriculums usually cover introductory courses in algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture, providing a solid base for entry-level IT roles or further education.
In contrast, an accelerated bachelor’s degree program delves further into software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and algorithms. This program is more thorough and intensive, preparing students for higher-level positions in the tech industry and offering a broader range of specializations.
Potential courses you’ll take in a two-year online computer science program
- Introduction to Programming in Java: In this course, students learn the fundamentals of programming using Java, a versatile and widely used language. They will cover basic syntax, control structures, data types, and debugging techniques, gaining the skills to write simple programs and solve problems algorithmically.
- Object-Oriented Programming: This course focuses on principles of object-oriented design and programming. Participants will explore concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, learning to create modular, reusable, and maintainable code.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Students in this course will analyze essential data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. They’ll learn to implement and analyze algorithms for searching, sorting, and manipulating data, emphasizing efficiency and performance optimization.
What Can I Do With a Two-Year Computer Science Degree?
Computer science is an in-demand field, with 377,500 job openings projected yearly. Many career options are available at the associate and bachelor’s levels, offering median salaries higher than the national average.
Career outlook
- Computer Network Support Specialist — Available for graduates with an associate degree, these specialists troubleshoot and resolve issues related to an organization’s computer networks, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
- Median annual salary: $71,530
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 66,500
- Software Developer — These in-demand professionals design, develop, and maintain software applications, working on complex projects and leading development teams. Most software developers have a bachelor’s degree.
- Median annual salary: $132,270
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 25%
- New jobs projected: 153,900
- Information Security Analyst — Also known as cybersecurity analysts, graduates in this role protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats, conduct security assessments, and implement security measures.
- Median annual salary: $120,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New jobs projected: 16,800
Two-Year Computer Science Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs in computer science condense a traditional four-year curriculum into two years by offering year-round classes in shorter, intensive 8-week sessions. This format allows students to complete more courses in a shorter period, often requiring a heavier workload and a faster pace of learning. To learn more about these programs and determine if this fast-paced option suits your goals, visit our page, which details the pros and cons.
How long does it take to earn a two-year computer science degree?
True to its namesake, a two-year computer science degree program typically takes just two years to complete, whether you’re pursuing an associate or an accelerated bachelor’s degree. However, it’s important to verify the total number of required credits, as this may vary by program and affect your timeline to graduation.
How much does a two-year computer science degree cost?
The average annual cost of undergraduate tuition is $3,885 at community colleges and $17,709 at traditional four-year universities. Some accelerated bachelor’s programs may be more affordable than their traditional counterparts simply because they take less time to complete.
In addition to tuition, you’ll also want to budget for expenses like technology fees, course materials, and potentially software subscriptions. Considering these costs when planning for your education is essential to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the complete financial picture.