2023 Most Affordable Online Computer Science Degrees

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus (ENMU) is a public institution, with a medium student population, offering an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This online program is 120 credit hours, and it's designed for prospective students interested in developing their computer software skills. Sample coursework includes Introduction to Computer Programming, Web Application and Development, and Operating Systems.

At ENMU, online students complete coursework on Canvas in an asynchronous and synchronous format. In addition, online students can access tutoring, a writing center, and counseling services. The program’s admission requirements include three applications: ENMU's application, the FAFSA, and an admission scholarship application. Students must also submit official transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.

At Fort Hays State University (FHSU) — a medium-sized, public institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science requiring 120 credit hours. The program focuses on software, digital storage and retrieval, and information security. Upper-division courses include topics in object-oriented programming, the foundations of computing, operating systems, and programming languages. Additionally, students are required to participate in a three-credit seminar.

Online courses are offered on the Blackboard learning management system and delivered in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Remote students can access tutoring, the writing center, counseling, career services, and the Forsyth Library. To apply, students must complete an online application (with a fee) and submit official transcripts and ACT/SAT scores (if the applicant is younger than 21).

The University of the Potomac (UOTP) is a small, private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Requiring 120 credit hours, this program explores several topics, such as data analysis, programming, and software algorithms. Some of the program’s core courses include Mobile Applications Development, Introduction to Wireless Networks and Performance, and Foundations of Cyber Security.

UOTP facilitates online learning on a learning management system, which is delivered in a blended format (asynchronous and synchronous). Online student support includes academic advising and career development services. The admission requirements for the program are an application, an attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion, and official transcripts.

Central Methodist University (CMU) is a small, private, nonprofit institution, which hosts two online bachelor’s degrees in computer science: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and (2) a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Each online degree requires 120 credits. In either of these programs, students develop communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills while learning how computer systems work. Sample coursework includes Database Systems and SQL, Computer Information Security, and Networking.

CMU’s online students complete coursework in an asynchronous and synchronous format on Canvas. Online student resources include academic advising, IT support, and library services. Both programs require a minimum 2.5 GPA and either an ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 960 for general admission.

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science that requires 120 credit hours. Future students can expect to learn the skills needed to pursue further education in computer science or an entry-level job in the field. The program combines the traditional liberal arts format with the foundation of computer science in its curriculum.

At TESU, online students complete coursework that is delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. This is done through TESU's learning management system, myEdison. Online students can also access an online library, academic advising, and disability services.

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — a large, private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science requiring 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to learn critical computer science skills that will allow them to utilize Python, Java, and C++ programs. The program offers four concentrations: (1) Data Analysis, (2) Project Management for STEM, (3) Information Security, and (4) Software Engineering.

SNHU’s online students complete coursework asynchronously on Brightspace. Online students can access academic advising, a library, and disability support, to name a few remote services. Admission requirements include an application, a transcript release, and an electronic attestation form.

The University of Wisconsin - Superior (UW - Super) is a public institution that has a medium-sized student population, and it offers an online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Computer Science. Totaling 120 credit hours, the curriculum covers the latest programming languages and operating systems. The program's goal is to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the field. Sample coursework includes Database Management, Computer Security, and Internet Programming.

UW - Super facilitates online learning — both asynchronously and synchronously — on the platform Canvas. The university's online student resources include tutoring, a writing center, disability support, and career services. The program’s admission requirements are official transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, secondary school records, college-preparatory program, and TOEFL.

Colorado State University Global Campus (CSU Global) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Intelligence and Homeland Security that requires 120 credit hours. This program option offers accelerated courses, so students can graduate sooner than the typical four years. Students can expect to gain the computer programming skills needed for careers in the field of computer science. Some of the degree's online courses include Data Structures, Introduction to Statistical Methods, and Modern Web Applications.

At CSU Global, remote students complete coursework on Canvas in asynchronous and synchronous formats. They can also access advising, an assistive technology resource center, and a career center. Admission requirements include a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, satisfying grades in mathematics, a high school diploma or its equivalent, and a "C Grade or higher in prerequisite courses.

The University of North Dakota (UND), a medium-sized, public institution, offers two online bachelor’s degrees in computer science: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that requires 124 credit hours and (2) a Combined Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering that includes anywhere from 138-155 credit hours. The first program provides students with a foundational knowledge of computer science, while the latter program is accelerated. This means that students can simultaneously obtain their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science to achieve a master's degree faster.

UND’s online students use Blackboard to complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously. Online student support includes tutoring, IT support, and a writing center. For admission, prospective students must complete 14 units of high school core courses and a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA.

American Public University (APU) is a large, private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science that requires 120 credit hours. In this BA program, students are challenged to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to solve computing problems. The program offers two concentrations that students can choose from: (1) Artificial Intelligence and (2) Communications. Each of these options require an additional 18 credit hours.

At APU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Brightspace. Online students can access an online library, academic advising, and disability support. The program’s admission requirements include an application, acknowledgment of the university’s policies, photo ID, and proof of high school completion or equivalent.