Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees Online: 2024

From data analysis and machine learning to web development and information security, computer science continues to be an incredibly in-demand field. To help meet the need, many colleges and universities now offer bachelor’s degrees in computer science online, making it easier for students to fit classes into their busy schedules. But how do you find the right program?

To help with your school selection, we created the following program rankings list. These online computer science bachelor’s degree options are ranked based on several key factors, including accreditation, affordability, education quality, and, most importantly, the ability for students to customize their education to get the degree they want in the format that works for them. Learn more about each school below, and then find more information on what you can expect when earning your bachelor’s degree in computer science online.

Top Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees for 2024

We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
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Select a StateALAZCACODEFLILKSMIMNMONDNHNMNYOKORPARITNTXVAWAWI
About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
• 1

  Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

  Stillwater, OK

  Public $$

  Oklahoma State University offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science which serves as an excellent source of foundational knowledge on computer science theory and application. With this degree, you not only get a well-rounded understanding of computer science, you also get the flexibility and comfort of taking all your courses online. In fact, students can complete this degree without ever having to set foot on campus. While the 100% online format does offer some flexibility, class times are set and in-class participation is required. By the end of the degree, students are prepared to pursue their master’s in the field or enter the working world, equipped with the latest computer science theories and coding languages.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $421.40 per credit in-state | $938.75 per credit out-of-state
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 2

  Southern New Hampshire University

  Manchester, NH

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Those looking to enter the computer science field should check out the versatile, flexible programs from Southern New Hampshire University. Whether you’re looking to get your associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field, their computer science department has you covered. While the associate’s is a more general degree, students pursuing their bachelors can choose between a degree in computer information systems or a more general computer science degree, specializing in one of four concentrations: data analysis, project management, information security, or software engineering. No matter which path a student chooses, they get high quality education and academic and professional resources in a 100% online format. Many of the courses are offered asynchronously or at flexible times to accommodate students’ work schedules.

  Program Highlights:

  Associate of Science in Computer Science

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $320/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $320/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Information System

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $320/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 3

  University of Illinois Springfield

  Springfield, IL

  Public $$

  The University of Illinois’ Springfield Campus offers a bachelor’s of science for those who want foundational knowledge in the field and real-world experience. Students in the program complete rigorous coursework and complete at least one internship in the field. The internship, which can be fully online, and the online professional resources available from the university prepare students for life after university. The online program is flexible and suitable for working professionals pursuing this degree on the side of a full-time workload. Unlike other programs, students at the University of Illinois Springfield don’t choose a concentration, though they can take some electives in areas of interest. Instead, this program focuses on delivering a wide breadth of computer science theory and application.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

  • Credits: 65
  • Length: 1-2 years
  • Cost: $332.25 per credit in-state | $681.75 per credit out-of-state
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 4

  Florida Atlantic University

  Boca Raton, FL

  Public $

  Students looking for a fully online bachelor’s degree in computer science should consider the program from Florida Atlantic. This 100% online program offers general and foundational coursework in the field. Students can also take classes at whatever times work for them, instead of having strict, synchronous class times. Florida Atlantic prides itself on having a long list of resources available to online students, including online tutoring, virtual drop-in career coaching sessions, and access to virtual internships for students. Another aspect which sets this program apart is that it not only looks at the theory behind computer science, but also the human context and ethics of software development, artificial intelligence, and related fields.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

  • Credits: 120 credits
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $203.29 per credit in-state | $721.84 per credit out-of-state
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  22/1

• 5

  Southeast Missouri State University

  Cape Girardeau, MO

  Public $$

  Southeast Missouri State University offers a foundational four year computer science degree that is offered fully online. Since the program is 100% virtual and classes are scheduled to work with a full-time work schedule, students can fit their coursework around their work and personal lives. Another unique aspect to this program is their focus on career development. The curriculum not only teaches students the content, it also teaches them how to apply it to real-world contexts and offers online career development resources. By the end of the program, students will be confident in their abilities and ready to take on roles such as software engineer, IT consultant, information systems manager, and data analyst.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $300.50 per credit in-state | $519.50 per credit out of state
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 6

  Faulkner University

  Montgomery, AL

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 7

  Old Dominion University

  Norfolk, VA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 8

  Eastern Oregon University

  La Grande, OR

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 9

  Auburn University

  Auburn, AL

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 10

  Park University

  Parkville, MO

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 11

  Oregon State University

  Corvallis, OR

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 12

  Southeastern Oklahoma State University

  Durant, OK

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  24/1

• 13

  Florida International University

  Miami, FL

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  25/1

• 14

  George Mason University

  Fairfax, VA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 15

  Baker College

  Owosso, MI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  8/1

• 16

  Saint Leo University

  Saint Leo, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 17

  Troy University

  Troy, AL

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 18

  Colorado Christian University

  Lakewood, CO

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 19

  California University of Pennsylvania

  California, PA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 20

  Maryville University of Saint Louis

  Saint Louis, MO

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 21

  City University of Seattle

  Seattle, WA

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  6/1

• 22

  University of Wisconsin-Platteville

  Platteville, WI

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 23

  Davenport University

  Grand Rapids, MI

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 24

  California State University-Monterey Bay

  Seaside, CA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  23/1

• 25

  Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

  Portales, NM

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 26

  Monroe College

  Bronx, NY

  Private for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 27

  South College

  Knoxville, TN

  Private for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 28

  Central Penn College

  Summerdale, PA

  Private for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 29

  University of Advancing Technology

  Tempe, AZ

  Private for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 30

  Lamar University

  Beaumont, TX

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 31

  University of Wisconsin-River Falls

  River Falls, WI

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 32

  Mercy College

  Dobbs Ferry, NY

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 33

  Wilmington University

  New Castle, DE

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 34

  Grantham University

  Lenexa, KS

  Private for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 35

  Rasmussen University-North Dakota

  Fargo, ND

  Private for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 36

  Rasmussen University-Florida

  Ocala, FL

  Private for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 37

  Concordia University-Saint Paul

  Saint Paul, MN

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 38

  Rasmussen University-Wisconsin

  Green Bay, WI

  Private for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 39

  Parker University

  Dallas, TX

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 40

  Rasmussen University-Minnesota

  St. Cloud, MN

  Private for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 41

  Rasmussen University-Kansas

  Topeka, KS

  Private for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 42

  National Louis University

  Chicago, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 43

  Rasmussen University-Illinois

  Rockford, IL

  Private for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 44

  Johnson & Wales University-Online

  Providence, RI

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 45

  Charter College

  Vancouver, WA

  Private for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  25/1

• 46

  University of Florida

  Gainesville, FL

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 47

  Arizona State University Digital Immersion

  Scottsdale, AZ

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  26/1

Key Outcomes of Earning Your Computer Science Bachelor’s Online

Every online bachelor’s degree in computer science will be different in terms of class selection, teaching styles, and student services. But any accredited program (or program that is part of an accredited school) will offer an education that meets minimum quality standards. This includes ensuring that students gain a specific set of skills before they graduate. Let’s look at some of the potential outcomes from a top-quality online computer science bachelor’s degree program.

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Coursework

Every school designs its curriculum to fit its unique academic philosophy. That said, you’ll find plenty of similarities among the required computer science courses. Below are descriptions of typical classes found in almost any computer science bachelor’s degree online program. Keep in mind that these aren’t the only courses you’ll take; you’ll also complete general education course requirements to round out your education.

FAQs About Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees

During your research into online computer science bachelor’s degree programs, you’ll probably have a few questions about how the program works and how to enroll. Below are some of the most asked questions that prospective students have about earning a computer science bachelor’s degree online.

• Are online bachelor’s programs in computer science offered fully online?

  In many cases online bachelor’s degree programs in computer science can be completed 100% online, with no in-person or on-campus requirements. The biggest variable is whether you can complete classes at your own pace (asynchronous learning) or if you’ll have set class times (synchronous learning). In some cases, a school may require you to complete a capstone project that involves hands-on experiences working with a team, a local company, or a contact at the university itself. Even so, in most cases your project can be completed remotely.

• What careers are available for bachelor’s degree in computer science grads?

  For many computer-related positions, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient and you won’t need to pursue a graduate degree. What’s most important is the real-world experience that you gain from an entry-level position in the technology industry. After you have several years’ experience, you’ll be in line for future advancement in the field. Completing an online computer science bachelor’s degree program makes you eligible to apply to the following entry-level positions:

  • Data engineer
  • Web developer
  • Data warehousing specialist
  • Computer programmer
  • Database administrator
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Information manager

• What accreditation should my online bachelor’s computer science degree program have?

  When choosing an online computer science bachelor’s degree, pick one at a school with institutional accreditation. This accreditation applies to an entire school and comes from a regional or national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You may find that some online bachelor’s degrees in computer science have programmatic accreditation, which applies to a particular program within a school. If you find an online computer science program with programmatic accreditation, it’ll usually be from ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

• What’s the admissions process like to get into a computer science bachelor’s program?

  For most online computer science bachelor’s degree programs, the admissions process requires you to complete an online application form, pay a fee, and submit official copies of relevant transcripts. If you’re applying as a first-year student, this will be a copy of your high school transcripts and/or documents relating to your GED. If you’re a transfer student, you’ll have to send in your college transcripts as well. While not common, you may also need letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or ACT or SAT test scores. If you want to be eligible for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (commonly known as the FAFSA) as early as possible.

• How much does an online bachelor’s degree in computer science cost?

  The actual cost of a computer science online bachelor’s degree depends on several factors. One is whether the school you choose is public or private. Private schools usually have higher tuition rates, but they may also offer more financial aid. Another potential factor that could affect the cost of your degree is your state residency status. Some public universities charge a higher rate if you live out of state, although some online programs at public universities charge the same tuition regardless of where you reside. 

  One final consideration that affects your program’s price tag is how you’ll progress through the program. For instance, do you already have an associate degree? Will you enroll as a full-time student? Are you fresh out of high school and planning to attend college part-time? Generally speaking, the longer you spend in school, the more it’ll cost you. 

  As you choose your program, you’re likely to find tuition rates in the neighborhood of $320/credit like at Southern New Hampshire University, $374/credit at Old Dominion University as an in-state student ($407/credit out-of-state), and $476/credit at Colorado State University.

• How long will it take me to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science online?

  Like any other bachelor’s degree, your online computer science degree will consist of about 120 credits. If you enroll as a full-time student and take classes during spring and fall semesters, you can expect to graduate in four years. Graduating sooner is possible if other factors come into play. For example, if you completed a few Advanced Placement courses in high school, you could bypass certain general education course requirements. You can also choose to take classes during the summer or increase your course load each semester to get your degree faster. You can do this on your own (working with your advisor) or by enrolling in an accelerated program. Finally, if you’ve earned college credits you have the option of transferring into a computer science program. Depending on your prior coursework, you can earn your computer science bachelor’s degree online in anywhere from one to three years.

• What specializations can I choose from for my bachelor’s degree in computer science?

  Computer science is a broad field, so many online computer science bachelor’s degree programs offer the chance to specialize in a particular area. Often, these opportunities arise during your senior year, after you’ve completed most of the required and core classes and are taking electives. Depending on how your computer science program’s curriculum is set up, you’ll get to choose from concentrations like these:

  • Computer forensics
  • Programming
  • Software engineering
  • Software development
  • Project management
  • Computing systems
  • Information security
  • Data analysis
  • Data science
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Blockchain
  • Cybersecurity
  • UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface)

  In some programs, students who complete the concentration requirements earn a certificate reflecting their specialized knowledge—a great selling point as you enter the work force.

Is an Online Bachelor of Computer Science Worth It?

One of the great things about an online computer science bachelor’s degree is that it’s the only degree needed for many high-paying and high-growth jobs. With just an undergraduate degree in computer science, you can look forward to median annual salaries that easily exceed those of most other jobs. Many computer technology careers have double-digit growth projections and offer six-figure salaries. Below is a chart of some of these positions to give you an idea of what to expect after graduation.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics