20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

In this article, we profile the 20 best online bachelor’s in computer science degree programs. From computer programming to information security analysts, the IT field offers a wide variety of jobs. They’re achievable with a bachelor’s in computer science. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that employment of computer and IT occupations is expected to grow 13 percent through the year 2026. This is faster than the average for all other occupations. To get your foot in the door of a promising career, a bachelor’s in computer science online degree is a great step to take. To be considered for our list of online bachelor’s in computer science programs, the school must be accredited and offer at least one computer science online bachelor’s, or a closely related degree program. We examined about 90 accredited colleges and universities that offered this type of online bachelor’s in computer science degree. We then narrowed the list by selecting only institutions that had received recognition from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then selected programs that cost less than $36,000 per year and listed the schools in order of raw affordability. Related: 30 Best Online IT Degree Programs To Study in College Below is our list of the top 20 best online bachelor’s in computer science programs.

#20 – Regis University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Denver, Colorado

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $35,610 Regis University offers an online bachelor’s degree in computer science. It’s accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Regis University’s computer science bachelor’s degree is the only degree accredited by ABET that is delivered fully online. The degree is particularly beneficial for working students seeking a bachelor’s degree while maintaining personal commitments such as work and family. Students can also choose a related certificate including information system security and e-security. Courses include:

• algorithms and complexity
• artificial intelligence and neural networks
• ethical leadership in computer science
• operating systems design and analysis

Students can also pursue a master’s degree. Regis is ranked #27 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#19 – California Baptist University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Information Technology

Riverside, California

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $32,256 California Baptist University provides an online bachelor degree in computer science. It utilizes today’s innovative technologies with Christian educational principles and values. Admission requirements include a minimum of 24 transferable credits or a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, students are required to:

• submit transcripts
• complete financial aid documents
• complete an admissions application

Upper-division requirements include:

• foundations of information systems
• information processing systems
• legal and ethical practices in information technology
• system analysis and design

The institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). CBU is ranked #31 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#18 – Lewis University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Romeoville, Illinois

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $31,250 Lewis University offers a computer science online degree in an accelerated format. It consists of 128 total credits including 46 major credits. Lewis accepts transfer credits from other institutions and programs. Students can earn credits for experiential knowledge such as coding and programming software. The degree is useful for students seeking online education for reasons of:

• convenience
• geographic location
• outside commitments

Upon graduation, students embark on careers including:

• software development
• network engineering
• web development, and more

Core classes may include:

• algorithms and data structures
• computer organization
• discrete mathematics
• object-oriented programming

Lewis University is ranked #23 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

#17 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Manchester, New Hampshire

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $31,136 Southern New Hampshire University is one of the top computer science schools online. It provides distance learning degrees to undergraduate students interested in  a career in software development. The program is a blend of computer science knowledge and theory as they relate to IT-based occupations and skills needed to succeed on the job. In addition to general education courses, classes may include:

• computer platform technologies
• computer science’s role in industry
• foundation in application development
• introduction to structured query language

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. SNHU is ranked #86 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#16 – Central Methodist University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Fayette, Missouri

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $23,770 Central Methodist University’s offers an online bachelor degree in computer science. It provides students with an educational pathway grounded in the latest computer science pedagogy. It prepares them with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to enter a variety of information technology careers. CMU offers both a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degree in computer science. They require no campus visitations and can be completed entirely online. Courses may include:

• computer and information security
• data structures and algorithms
• mobile application development
• programming with JAVA

Central Methodist accepts transfer credits from other accredited institutions and programs. CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to confer a variety of degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. CMU is ranked #27 in regional colleges Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

#15 – Saint Leo University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems

Saint Leo, Florida

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $22,220 Saint Leo University’s online bachelor’s in computer science is for individuals seeking the convenience of distance learning education. Students can work towards degree completion in an asynchronous manner while maintaining personal and professional commitments. Classes may include:

• database concepts and programming
• decision support analysis
• information technology and project management
• introduction to information security
• systems analysis and design

Students learn the skills needed to help business organizations succeed by implementing technologies and systems. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Saint Leo #61 in regional universities South.

#14 – Concordia University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Saint Paul, Minnesota

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $21,750 Concordia University offers a computer science online degree consisting of 55-credits delivered via 7-week terms. The program is for students who have completed general education requirements from Concordia or other accepted institutions. Courses in the 55-credit curriculum include:

• data structures and algorithms
• introduction to computer science
• introductory programming with Java
• math for computer science
• object oriented programming in Java

Concordia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member in good standing of the North Central Association. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia University #106 in regional universities Midwest and #131 in best online bachelor’s degrees.

#13 – Regent University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Virginia Beach, Virginia

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $17,288 Regent University offers an online bachelor degree in computer science that integrates Christian education into course curriculum. The 120-credit program includes general education courses and major core courses. Classes may include:

• data structures and algorithms
• ethics for computer science
• introduction to computer science
• introduction to earth science with laboratory

Admission requirements vary and are delineated by:

• age
• past academic background
• program type

Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent University #231 in national universities and #35 in best online bachelor’s degrees.

#12 – Colorado Technical University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Colorado Springs, Colorado

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,803 Colorado Technical University is one of the top computer science schools online. It confers degrees at a variety of levels and disciplines. The computer science program offers a general track along with several concentrations such as:

• cyber security engineering
• data science
• software engineering

Additionally, students can earn credits for experiential knowledge by taking exams that test knowledge and skills. The 183-credit program is divided into 4.5-credit courses, including:

• applications of discrete mathematics for computer systems
• foundations of big data analytics
• fundamentals of data structures
• principles of programming languages

U.S. News and World Report ranks CTU #115 in best online bachelor’s degrees.

#11 – Florida Institute of Technology

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems

Melbourne, Florida

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240 Florida Institute of Technology provides students with a computer science online degree. It to prepares students with the skills and knowledge to enter into a variety of computer science-related career paths. Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates have gone on to careers as:

• software developers
• web programmers
• database administrators
• application system analysts, and more

Graduates find jobs in a wide range of settings including:

• private industry
• government
• non-profit
• education

Courses may include:

• business computer skills
• business research skills and application
• database concepts and design
• information technology and project management

Florida Tech is ranked #151 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#10 – Auburn University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Auburn, Alabama

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,968 Auburn University is one of the top computer science schools online. It offers a bachelor of arts degree online through its Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The program is SACS accredited and 100% online. Students can complete the 60-credit 20-course program in as little as two years. Students take two courses per term, which last 7.5 weeks per course. There are five terms per year. Required classes include:

• computer organization and assembly language programming
• introduction to computer science I and II
• mobile applications development I and II
• software construction fundamentals
• web application development I and II

Auburn is ranked # 103 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#9 – Oregon State University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Corvallis, Oregon

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,797 Oregon State University’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offer an online bachelor’s in computer science. It’s for students not able to take traditional on-campus classes. The degree is well suited for working professionals seeking upward career mobility or those with other outside obligations that require them to take distance learning classes. The curriculum is designed for those who have completed undergraduate general education courses and need to finish upper-division computer science classes. Students can enroll full-time or part-time as their schedule permits. Matriculation can occur any semester (fall, spring, winter). Classes include:

• analysis of algorithms
• data structures
• discrete structures in computer science
• programming I and II

OSU is ranked #145 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#8 – Park University

Online Bachelor’s in Information and Computer Science

Parkville, Missouri

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,774 Park University offers an online bachelor’s degree in computer science. It prepares students for a variety of information technology careers or graduate study. Students can choose from several concentration areas such as:

• computer science
• information technology and data management
• networking and security
• software development

Students who choose the networking and security concentration receive preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. Graduates have gone on to several careers including:

• applications manager
• database manager
• information technology project manager
• software engineer
• web programmer, and more

U.S. News and World Report ranks Park University #126 in regional universities Midwest and #174 in best online bachelor’s degrees.

#7 – Old Dominion University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Norfolk, Virginia

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,050 Old Dominion University’s computer science online degree prepares graduates for information technology careers while offering a quality education via distance learning. The curriculum is rigorous in math and science and includes classes such as:

• advanced data structures and algorithms
• introduction to discrete structures
• introduction to software engineering
• object oriented programming and design

The degree consists of 120 credits, 30 of which must be taken at Old Dominion. Admission standards vary by educational background. Depending on college experience and credits earned, individuals may apply as a freshman or transfer student. U.S. News and World Report ranks ODU #231 in national universities.

#6 – Dakota State University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Madison, South Dakota

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,147 Dakota State University’s online bachelor’s in computer science is for individuals seeking the convenience of distance learning classes. The curriculum provides depth and breadth. It includes both general education requirements and upper division computer science classes. Dakota State does accept transfer credits, which may count towards degree completion. Courses may include:

• advanced data structures
• algorithms and optimization
• foundations of computation
• object oriented design
• systems analysis and design

The curriculum prepares students for a wide variety of technology careers or for further graduate study in a related discipline. Dakota State University is ranked #118 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

#5 – Lamar University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Beaumont, Texas

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,314 Lamar University is one of the top computer science schools online. It provides a rigorous curriculum taught by leading faculty. The program is especially appealing to working individuals. It’s also good  for deployed military personnel unable to take traditional seated courses. The program totals 121 credit hours. Lamar does accept transfer credits taken from other institutions or programs. Students can choose concentrations in bioinformatics and game development. Computer science classes may include:

• computer law and ethics
• design and analysis of algorithms
• programming languages
• software engineering

Lamar University is ranked #231 in national universities and #77 in best online bachelor degrees by U.S. News and World Report.

#4 – Southeast Missouri State University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,185 Southeastern Missouri State University offers a computer science online degree that prepares students for careers in software development. Southeastern Missouri’s program is specific in its training and development of students to acquire skills in the creation of end-user software tools and systems. The 124-credit hour program includes general education courses along with:

• 40 semester credits of computer science classes
• 6 hours of mathematics (applied calculus and applied statistics)
• 33-36 credit hours of supplemental coursework

Additionally, students who complete the degree will earn a minor in business administration. SEMO is ranked #93 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

#3 – Eastern New Mexico University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Portales, New Mexico

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,013 Eastern New Mexico University offers an online bachelor degree in computer science that prepares students for careers in the information technology space. The degree conflates academic knowledge and skill building. It equips the graduate with the critical thinking and functions needed to be successful on the job. Students wishing to pursue graduate level studies are also adequately prepared. The degree includes courses such as:

• design and analysis of algorithms
• discrete mathematics for computer science
• introduction to computer organization and architecture
• programming language concepts

U.S. News and World Report ranks Eastern New Mexico #96 in regional universities West.

#2 – Florida State University

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Tallahassee, Florida

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $5,656 Florida State University is consistently ranked as one of the top computer science schools online. This is due to its overarching mission of preparing students for a lifelong career in the information technology field. The curriculum provides a broad-based view of computer science. This enables students to gain entry-level employment across a variety of occupations such as:

• software designer
• database analyst
• web programmer, and more

Florida State and the department of computer science are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Computer Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. Florida State is ranked #81 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#1 – University of Florida

Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Gainesville, Florida

School Profile

Undergraduate Tuition: $3,876 University of Florida offers an online bachelor’s in computer science. It’s for students seeking the convenience and rigor of a distance learning degree program from a leading public university. The program is an excellent option for students with existing college credits. Individuals can apply as lower division applicants (12-59 transferable credits) or upper division applicants (60+ transferable credits). Lower division applicants are encouraged to have completed analytical geometry and calculus I.  Upper division applicants should have completed analytical geometry calculus I-III and physics I with a lab. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Florida #42 in national universities.

Related Resources:

• 5 Degree Concentrations in Computer Science
• 5 Lucrative Careers in Computer Science
• 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
• 30 Best Online IT Degree Programs to Study in College
• What is the Job Outlook Like in the Computer Science Field?

Featured Programs

This concludes our list of the 20 best online bachelor’s in computer science degree programs.