Why This Matters
-
AI POSITIONS ARE GROWING RAPIDLY
The World Economic Forum projects that the number of positions for artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists will jump 40% by 2027.
-
377,500 JOB OPENINGS EACH YEAR FROM 2022 TO 2032
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the computer and information technology field to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
-
EARN A SIX-FIGURE SALARY
The BLS also reports that the average salary for computer and information technology workers is $100,530 — this is more than double the average wage for all occupations ($46,310).
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in computer science degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online associate in computer science degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Computer Science degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
- 70 hours to write this article
- 60 universities and colleges we assessed
- 105 education programs we compared
Best 45 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Lake Superior State University
Intelligent Score: 98.75In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 920-1150
ACT: 19-26
$582
Online
Higher Learning Commission
62
Lincoln Land Community College
Intelligent Score: 97.7In-state: $20,817
Out-of-state: $24,045
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher
Lincoln Land Community College’s Associate of Arts in Computer Science program benefits from the school’s expertise in cybersecurity, computer systems, and CISCO network administration. As a student in the computer science program, you get a hands-on, career-oriented education that prepares you for the job you want. You also have the option to connect with computer science peers socially through the Computer Science Academy. This degree program — requiring approximately 60 credits — consists of an even ratio of general education courses to computer science foundation courses. In addition to programming, mathematics, and computer science, you will take holistic classes like Understanding Technology Today.
In-District: $137 Out-of-District: $274
Out-of-State: $411
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60-67
Seminole State College of Florida
Intelligent Score: 97.57In-state: $14,199
Out-of-state: $22,524
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 21 or above
Seminole State College of Florida’s Computer Science Pathway Associate in Arts program is affordable, flexible, and offered in a hybrid format so you can choose whether to study in person at a Seminole State campus in Florida or online anywhere in the world. Upon completing your associate degree, you can choose to stay at Seminole to pursue a bachelor’s degree or receive guaranteed transfer admission to one of Florida’s other state universities. All of Seminole State’s campuses boast strong, diverse student organizations and events that new students can participate in, many of which are accessible online. If you’re looking to expand your engagement beyond the (virtual) classroom, Seminole State’s program could be a good fit.
Resident: $79
Non-Resident: $315
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Weber State University
Intelligent Score: 96.6In-state: $5,090
Out-of-state: $15,272
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Weber State University’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science program offers a computer science–heavy curriculum, with major courses accounting for at least 40 of the required 63 credit hours. This makes Weber’s program a good fit if you are serious about computer science and do not wish to devote a significant portion of your program credits to general education requirements. Some unique computer science courses on offer include Client Side Web Development, Computer Architecture/Organization, and Object-Oriented Programming. The program also requires you to pass an Information Literacy Competency Exam. Students and graduates benefit from Weber State University’s strong alumni network
$291
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
63
Montgomery County Community College
Intelligent Score: 95.71In-state: $27,306
Out-of-state: $32,046
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Like the Montgomery College program, the Montgomery County Community College Computer Science associate degree program prepares you to transfer to a four-year university to complete your degree in computer science. If you successfully complete the program, you can transfer seamlessly to schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). In addition to general education requirements, you will take major courses in computer science foundations, database management systems, discrete mathematics, statistics and probability, and calculus. This program is relatively affordable, especially if you qualify for in-district or in-state tuition. The community college also offers a wide array of scholarships to help make the investment more manageable.
$148
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
61
Sheridan College
Intelligent Score: 94.01In-state: $19,695
Out-of-state: $25,995
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 510or higher
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $161 - $214
Non-Resident: $371
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Cowley College
Intelligent Score: 93.02In-state: $16,500
Out-of-state: $18,000
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 730
ACT: 31
$250
Online
Higher Learning Commission
62
Montgomery College
Intelligent Score: 92.38In-state: $32,142
Out-of-state: $35,922
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 500 or higher
ACT: N/A
Montgomery College’s Associate of Arts in Computer Science and Technologies, Computer Science Area of Concentration program is recognized by The Best Schools as offering one of the best online computer science associate degree programs. As a Montgomery online student, you benefit from first-rate program advising and the opportunity to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Most courses in this field have assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites that must be completed. Most credit hours in this associate degree are dedicated to general education requirements, so this program is best suited to students who want to lay a strong liberal arts foundation before transferring to a four-year university.
Resident: $201 - $341
Non-Resident: $468
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
Ocean County College
Intelligent Score: 91.92In-state: $34,659
Out-of-state: $36,969
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
County Resident: $180 Out-of-County Resident: $198
Out-of-State: $270
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
North Hennepin Community College
Intelligent Score: 90.62In-state: $20,114
Out-of-state: $20,114
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$200
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Laurel Ridge Community College
Intelligent Score: 90.46In-state: $19,769
Out-of-state: $25,772
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 500 or higher
ACT: 18-22
Resident: $154
Non-Resident: $331
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60-63
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
Intelligent Score: 89.1In-state: $20,540
Out-of-state: $24,290
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$125
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
67
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 87In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$320
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc
60
West LA College
Intelligent Score: 86.27In-state: $25,034
Out-of-state: $33,666
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $342
Online
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
60
St. Petersburg College
Intelligent Score: 86.24In-state: $19,485
Out-of-state: $26,089
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $122
Non-Resident: $425
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Park University
Intelligent Score: 84.87In-state: $8,251
Out-of-state: $8,251
In-state: $6,224
Out-of-state: $6,224
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$550
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Wake Tech Community College
Intelligent Score: 84.74In-state: $22,360
Out-of-state: $28,504
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $228
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
68
Central Community College
Intelligent Score: 83.56In-state: $14,710
Out-of-state: $16,120
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $96
Non-Resident: $144
Online
Higher Learning Commission
63
What You Should Know About This Degree
An associate in computer science offers a broad background in a variety of computing-related subjects. Similar degrees include business and information systems, which covers more business-focused areas of computing, and data science, which focuses on analytics, statistics, and big data.
There is no single accrediting body for computer science degrees; however, you should look for programs that have been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. This organization has particularly high standards for computer science education and only recommends the best options available.
Associate degree holders in computer science have the option of working in junior development roles, tech support roles, or database administration. Work experience is vital to career progression.
There are no mandatory computer science certifications or licenses. Many learners choose to pursue Cisco, Microsoft, or CompTIA certifications to improve their career prospects after graduation.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in computer science programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most associate degrees take two years to complete. However, some universities allow students to study at their own pace, allowing those with some work experience in the field to complete their degree more quickly and others to spread their studies over a longer period.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Most online computer science programs are delivered asynchronously. Some courses may ask students to be available for webinars or take part in group debates on a fixed schedule.
When searching for online computer science programs, pay attention to course start dates and application deadlines. Many online, asynchronous programs offer open enrollment so students can start their studies immediately.
If funding your studies is a concern, submit a financial aid application as soon as possible and search for information about scholarships.