Why This Matters
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$93,730 AVERAGE YEARLY SALARY
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the average computer systems analyst earned a median annual wage of $93,730 in 2020.
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7% JOB GROWTH FROM 2019 TO 2029
Our society’s increased reliance on technology and the growing need for data protection have contributed to a 7% increase in employment for computer systems analysts. That’s equivalent to 46,600 more jobs.
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HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT LEVEL IN CA, TX, NY
The highest number of computer systems analysts are employed in California, Texas, and New York, followed by Illinois and Florida.
Our Research
To create our list of the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in computer science, we examined each program’s tuition costs (for both in-state and out-of-state residents) and the minimum number of credits required to graduate.
To ensure that each of these programs offers a high-quality education, we only included accredited institutions. Most of our programs are approved by regional accreditors such as the Higher Learning Commission, which evaluates the mission, integrity, performance, and effectiveness of post-secondary institutions. Regional accreditations are typically more transferable and helpful for professional credentials.
- 67 hours to write this article
- 92 universities and colleges we assessed
- 181 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
As you prepare for college, it is important to consider how you are going to fund your online bachelor’s degree. Most undergraduate programs will charge tuition based on the number of credits you are taking, so be sure to look at both the tuition rate and the minimum number of credits required as you review programs.
Many students apply for scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans, which are often available at the state and federal levels. Federal loans are granted by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which enforces a limit on how much a student can borrow.
Online programs are the ideal option for working professionals. Not only do online degrees save on transportation, housing, and childcare costs, but they let you maintain your regular work schedule. Because online learners do not have designated class times or in-person interaction with professors, it is important they have strong time management skills and are skilled in technology.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in computer science programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Bachelor’s degree programs will expect you to have a high school diploma. Depending on the institution, you may be expected to have a certain grade point average (GPA) and extracurriculars.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? This varies depending on the program. Some programs will expect remote students to still meet at designated class times while others let students set their own schedule.
- How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in computer science? The average student will complete their program in four years. However, some online students may take accelerated programs, which can be completed in two to three years, while working students may choose to space their classes out over five to six years.
- What tests are required for an online bachelor’s in school counseling? Most programs will review your SAT or ACT scores. Always check the program’s admissions requirements before applying to ensure you know what to expect.