Top 10 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs

Online computer science graduates are highly in-demand and are usually able to obtain some of the highest starting salaries of any new degree holders. If you want to prepare for a career in this growing field without spending time sitting in a classroom, you should consider completing an online accredited computer science degree. These schools offer the same quality programs as their on-campus counterparts, but with the flexibility to study on your own busy schedule!

Ranking the Top Online Computer Science Degree Programs

The following accredited and affordable online computer science degree programs were selected based on their reputation, ranking, and overall ability to deliver high-quality, student-focused education.

#1 Stanford University

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Situated in California’s Bay Area about 30 miles from San Francisco, Stanford University is a major elite private institution first established in 1885.

Rankings and Awards

According to the U.S. News and World Report, Stanford is ranked as the 5th best college and 4th top value school in the nation with the 1st best graduate computer science programs.

Tuition

Tuition is $1,340.00 per unit.

Unique Features

The online MS in computer science can be completed in three-five years of part-time study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to be considered.

Program website

#2 Oregon State University

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

As the state’s leading land-grant public research institution, Oregon State University is situated in the vibrant college town of Corvallis with more than 21,000 students.

Rankings and Awards

The U.S. News and World Report currently ranks Oregon State as the 142nd best college, 73rd top public school, and 29th best university for veterans in the nation. OSU has also been named as one of the best online colleges and universities in America by SuperScholar.

Tuition

The cost is $260.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students can choose from one-year, two-year, or three-year tracks to find the degree program that meets their needs. This is a post-baccalaureate program, and students only take the required courses for computer science.

Program website

#3 Grantham University

Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Among the oldest private distance education institutions, Grantham University operates on an open enrollment basis and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.

Rankings and Awards

Among the top military-friendly universities, Grantham has been ranked as offering the 13th best online distance education programs by eLearning World University.

Tuition

Online bachelor’s computer science degree students pay $265.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Courses are eight weeks in length. Classes are taught by instructors who have several years of industry experience.

Concentrations

  • Information Technology
  • Information Management

Program website

#4 Regis University

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Regis University is one of only two institutions that are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET whose bachelors degree can be earned entirely online. The school is also accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

Along with having the 20th best online graduate computer information technology programs in the nation, Regis is ranked as the 27th best college and 8th top university for veterans in the West by the U.S. News and World Report.

Tuition

The cost of tuition is $410.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students at Regis can choose to complete a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science and save on tuition costs. Applicants must have completed high school or hold a GED, and have at least three years of professional experience.

Program website

#5 Rasmussen College

Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Rasmussen College has been offering educational programs for over a century. The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition

Tuition at Rasmussen is $299.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Courses are taught by instructors who are experts in their respective fields. Classes are small with an average size of 15-30 students.

Click for info.

#6 Drexel University

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Holding a unique place in the academic community as Philadelphia’s technological education university, Drexel University has been offering online programs since 1996.

Rankings and Awards
According to the U.S. News and World Report, Drexel is ranked as the 97th best university, 7th best up-and-coming school, and 12th top college for veterans in the nation.

Tuition

The university charges $1,045.000 per credit.

Unique Features

Drexel’s online master’s in computer science is a career-oriented program that includes courses focused on theory and practice. Students can choose electives from courses in Information Science and Technology, Electrical Engineering or other University departments with graduate degree programs.

Program website

#7 American Sentinel University

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

American Sentinel University is an online institution that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. It specializes in offering degree programs in high-demand fields.

Resource: Why is it Important to Make Sure an Online College is Accredited?

Tuition

Students at ASU pay $350.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The cheap online computer science degree program’s curriculum includes courses in computer science problem solving, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and a senior capstone project.

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#8 Old Dominion University

Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Old Dominion University is a public doctoral research school that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

According to the U.S. News and World Report, Old Dominion is nationally acclaimed for offering students the 69th best online bachelor’s programs in the United States.

Tuition

Tuition is $273.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

ODU’s bachelor’s in computer science is a degree completion program. The exact number of credits a student can transfer to the program will vary.

Program website

#9 Baker College

Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

Baker College is a private, not-for-profit institution that is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in Michigan.

Rankings and Awards

Baker is currently distinguished by the U.S. News and World Report for providing non-traditional students with the 164th best online bachelor’s programs in the nation.

Tuition

Tuition is $215.00 per credit hour, which makes it one of the most affordable online computer science degree programs available.

Unique Features

This school offers eight sessions per year and several start dates per session. Baker considers applicants from the U.S. and Canada who are 21 years of age and older.

Program website

#10 University of Nebraska

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Executive Summary

The University of Nebraska was founded in 1869 and has been offering distance education programs since 1909. The University remains committed to providing high-quality education to its students through the Internet.

Rankings and Awards

Not only has Forbes magazine recognized the University of Nebraska as the 119th best research university in the nation, the U.S. News and World Report also ranks it as the 101st best college, 47th top public school, and 15th best college for veterans in the United States.

Tuition

Graduate tuition rates for in-state students are $269.00 per credit hour and $393.00 for out-of-state learners.

Unique Features

The University offers a cheap online computer science degree program. Students can interact with their instructors and each other by e-mail, phone, or video conferencing.

Program website