Why This Matters

  • $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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Fort Hays State University
01
Best Public Institution
University of Illinois Springfield
01
Best Focus on Programming
Baker College
01
Best B.A. Program
Thomas Edison State University
01
Most Interdisciplinary Program
Florida Atlantic University
01
Best B.S. program
University of Florida
01
Best Liberal Arts Focus
Troy University
01
Best Financial Aid
Lamar University
01
Best Grad School Preparation
Old Dominion University
01
Best Christian Institution
Central Methodist University
01
Best Technology
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best Two-Year Program
California State University Monterey Bay
01
Best for Transfers
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best in the Great Plains Region
Dakota State University
01
Most Affordable
Eastern New Mexico University
01
Most Career-Focused
Regent University
01
Most Comprehensive Curriculum
Liberty University
01
Best Language-Independent Program
Franklin University
01
Best Customization Options
Colorado State University Global
01
Best for Systems Security
Limestone University
01
Best Faculty
Oregon State University
01
Best in the Pacific Northwest
Eastern Oregon University
01
Best Job Placement Rate
Concordia University, St. Paul
01
Best Information Systems Concentration
Austin Peay State University
01
Best in the West
Arizona State University
01
Best Game Design Concentration
University of Michigan-Dearborn
01
Best in New England
University of Maine at Augusta
01
Best Cybersecurity Focus
Kennesaw State University
01
Best Catholic Institution
Regis University
01
Best for Military Students
University of Arkansas Grantham
01
Best for Certification Preparation
University of the Potomac
01
Best Private Institution
Bellevue University
01
Best In-State Tuition Rate
South Texas College
01
Shortest Classes
National University
01
Best for Veterans
Rasmussen University
01
Best for Adult Learners
SUNY Empire State College
01
Best in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Wilmington University
01
Best for Part-Time Students
Mercy College
01
Best Concentrations
University Of North Texas
01
Best Small Class Size
Concordia University Texas
01
Best AI Concentration
Davenport University
01
Best Interdisciplinary Focus
Lakeland University
01
Best Business Focus
California University of Pennsylvania
01
Best Accelerated Program
Lewis University

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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.

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