As time goes by, the need for computer scientists will continue to increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects career growth various computer science areas, such as cybersecurity, software development, and network and computer system administration.
To meet this growing demand, many top-ranking affordable online colleges in Colorado and beyond have begun offering computer science degree programs. Many affordable online computer science degrees allow students to learn the fundamentals needed to begin working in the field, with increased schedule flexibility and lower tuition compared to on-campus courses.
Affordable Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Colorado
Students in Colorado can access multiple online computer science bachelor's programs. These degrees cover many entry-level computer science skills, but some schools also offer additional concentration and elective options that can help students pursue specific career paths.
1. Colorado State University
Students at Colorado State University can complete a Bachelor of Science in computer science in an online format. This degree program is highly customizable due to the availability of minors, electives, and concentrations. Online students can choose from six concentrations including general computer science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, computing systems, human-centered computing, networks and security, and software engineering.
Colorado State University offers its in-state tuition rate of $476 per credit hour to all online students.
2. University of Colorado Boulder
Students with a previously earned undergraduate degree can pursue the University of Colorado Bolder's Bachelor of Science in applied computer science. This degree is designed for learners looking to change their career or advance their current path and requires students to have a bachelor's degree before applying.
The University of Colorado Boulder has two residency-based tuition rates. In-state students pay up to $815 per credit hour while out-of-state students will pay up to $942. These rates can be changed due to federal and state-based financial aid programs.
3. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University has a fully online Bachelor of Science in computer science degree that is the same as its on-campus degree program. Students at CTU can choose from three concentrations: data science, cybersecurity engineering, and software engineering. Each course is only five weeks long and includes topics like Java and other programming languages, data analytics, and application development.
The online tuition rate at CTU is $340 per credit hour, regardless of residency.
4. Colorado State University Global Campus
Colorado State University Global Campus offers students a fully online, accelerated Bachelor of Science in computer science degree program. Coursework includes specialization options like organizational leadership, project management, human resources, marketing, and more to meet specific career goals. Regardless of specialization, students will learn about operating systems, information systems, data structures, and algorithms.
All students have a tuition rate of $375 per credit hour, regardless of residency status or enrollment status.
5. Regis University
Regis University is a Jesuit school that offers a fully online, accelerated Bachelor of Science in computer science degree. Courses are taught in eight-week segments to provide scheduling flexibility, and students can bring up to 66 transfer credits to further speed up their degree.
This degree program has a tuition rate of $589 per credit hour, but some other programs at Regis have different tuition rates. This is important to remember when choosing electives or general education courses.
Other Affordable Computer Science Degrees in the U.S.
Online programs provide nationwide learning opportunities. Accreditation bodies (e.g., the Higher Learning Commission or ABET) work across state lines, assuring a quality higher education no matter where you live.
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Students at Southern New Hampshire University can earn a Bachelor of Science in computer science. Common courses at SNHU include programming languages, systems engineering, and more. Students can choose from one of four concentrations: information security, data analysis, project management, and software engineering.
All students in online degree programs at SNHU pay $330 per credit hour.
2. Youngstown State University
Youngstown State University is located in Ohio but offers online learning experiences nationally. Graduates of this program will be well-suited for careers as software engineers, software developers, systems engineers, and network engineers. Students will study hard skills like web development and computer networking with soft skills like communication and problem-solving, both of which are used in real-world computer science.
In-state students pay $460, while out-of-state students pay $465 per credit hour.
3. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus's online Bachelor of Science in computer science can help students learn skills like programming, networking, data structures, and other important methodologies and theories. This degree is taught by active computer scientists, assuring that students learn the most up-to-date information.
UMGC has three tuition rates. In-state students pay $324, Out-of-state students pay $499, and active-duty military members pay $250.
4. Indiana University
The Bachelor of Science in computer science from Indiana University provides learners with the fundamental skills to enter the job market, attend graduate school, or sit for certification exams. Graduates will be ready to work as computer programmers, data and computer systems analysts, and software developers.
In-state tuition at IU Online is $290 per credit hour while out-of-state tuition is $390 per credit hour.
5. Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Science in computer science degree program and a postbaccalaureate degree plan. Students can choose between applied computer science and cybersecurity concentrations.
OSU uses a quarter-based educational system and requires 180 total quarter units. Online students pay $428 per credit hour.
FAQs About Online Colleges With Computer Science Degrees
It's common for students who are looking into computer science programs to have questions, even with how common these degrees have become. Some of the most common questions involve the cost and outcomes of these degrees.
How Much Is an Online Computer Science Degree?
An online degree program costs around $41,000, but there are ways to find more affordable degrees. Students will find the lowest average tuition costs at in-state, nonprofit, and public universities.
What Can I Do With an Online Computer Science Degree?
There are many outcomes to an online computer science degree, including careers in cybersecurity, software development, application and web development, and more. Students can also continue their education to an online master's degree program or certification exams.
Can I Get a Computer Science Degree Entirely Online in Colorado?
Yes, several in-state Colorado schools offer fully online computer science degree programs. Some schools do offer hybrid opportunities, but learners can complete their degree fully online if they choose to.
Discover Online Degrees Today
This list is a great place to start your search, and the resources on BestAccreditedCOlleges.org are a great way to continue that search. Our college profiles can help you learn more about schools, degree programs, and what you need to do to submit your application today.
