If you’re looking for an accessible, affordable way to earn a computer programming degree, these budget-friendly programs may be the perfect fit. An online degree in this field is a wise investment, providing opportunities for high-paying careers in tech. Graduates can pursue roles like data scientist (median salary of $108,020) or cybersecurity analyst ($120,360). To help you achieve your goals without breaking the bank, we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable online options for earning a computer programming degree — these programs offer quality education that will fit your budget and set you up for future success.
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
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the most affordable Computer Programming 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.
Best 45 Affordable Online Computer Programming Degrees
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
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 99.94In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $228.81 per credit
Out-of-State: $345.87 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Colorado State University Global
Intelligent Score: 98.92In-state: $9,426
Out-of-state: $28,147
In-state: $10,520
Out-of-state: $10,520
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 23-29
$350 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
University of Illinois Springfield
Intelligent Score: 98.69In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$362 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Baker College
Intelligent Score: 97.54In-state: $9,960
Out-of-state: $9,960
In-state: $12,510
Out-of-state: $12,510
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$415 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Weber State University
Intelligent Score: 97.53In-state: $5,090
Out-of-state: $15,272
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $169 per credit
Non-Resident: $509 per credit
Hybrid
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
63 credits
Southern Utah University
Intelligent Score: 97.36In-state: $6,006
Out-of-state: $19,822
In-state: $7,574
Out-of-state: $7,574
SAT: 1030-1220
ACT: 21-27
$485 per credit
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
33 credits
UW-Eau Claire
Intelligent Score: 97.15In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$850 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36 credits
Palomar College
Intelligent Score: 96.39In-state: $35,238
Out-of-state: $45,198
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 500 or higher
ACT: 22 or higher
$307 per credit
Hybrid
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
26-27 credits
UNM Online
Intelligent Score: 94.93In-state: $6,463
Out-of-state: $22,801
In-state: $5,920
Out-of-state: $5,920
SAT: 1030-1250
ACT: 17-25
$393.52 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
31 credits
Illinois Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 94.81In-state: $48,610
Out-of-state: $48,610
In-state: $29,075
Out-of-state: $29,075
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 26-32
$1,614 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
32 credits
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Intelligent Score: 94.5In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
Resident: $1,059.67 per credit
Non-Resident: $1,899.11 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
31 credits
University of the People
Intelligent Score: 93.57In-state: $5,660
Out-of-state: $5,660
In-state: $4,860
Out-of-state: $4,860
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Tuition-Free
Online
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
120 credits
Fort Hays State University
Intelligent Score: 92.01In-state: $4,140
Out-of-state: $14,580
In-state: $3,726
Out-of-state: $3,726
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$226.88 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Old Dominion University
Intelligent Score: 91.64In-state: $7,029
Out-of-state: $26,664
In-state: $10,207
Out-of-state: $10,207
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 18-25
In-State: $360 per credit
Out-of-State: $407 per credit
Online
Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
120 credits
Park University
Intelligent Score: 90.52In-state: $8,251
Out-of-state: $8,251
In-state: $6,224
Out-of-state: $6,224
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$427 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60 credits
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 90.27In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$390 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
121 credits
Limestone University
Intelligent Score: 89.72In-state: $41,055
Out-of-state: $41,055
In-state: $45,700
Out-of-state: $45,700
SAT: 980-1160
ACT: 19-25
Troy University
Intelligent Score: 89.43In-state: $7,800
Out-of-state: $15,600
In-state: $7,650
Out-of-state: $7,650
SAT: 935-1105
ACT: 18-25
$338 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
What You Should Know About an Online Computer Programming Degree
The cost of education is an important consideration for most students. If you’re hoping to earn an undergraduate degree, you may need to access financial aid to pay for the cost of your program. Likewise, a master’s degree program may require outside financing; however, you might also have outstanding loans to consider from earning your undergraduate degree.
If you plan to work while you obtain your degree, make sure that you have the time-management skills needed to successfully complete coursework on time. In addition to time management skills, completing your degree online also requires high proficiency with technology. Ensure you have the necessary devices, such as a computer or tablet, and a reliable internet connection before enrolling in an online program.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online computer programming degrees:
- Am I eligible for this program? Typical requirements for an undergraduate degree in this field include a high school diploma with high marks in mathematics. To be eligible for a master’s degree program, most schools require a bachelor’s degree in a similar field.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Every online degree program is different, and the way materials are presented throughout your courses may vary. If you’re working while you learn or have other responsibilities, you may want to search for an asynchronous course.
- How long does it take to complete an online computer programming degree? The time it takes to earn your degree depends on the degree program type and the amount of time you’re dedicating to your studies. Plan on earning your computer programming degree online from two to eight years.
- What tests are required for an online computer programming degree? Some schools require applicants to have a minimum SAT mathematics score for bachelor’s degree programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Programming Degree Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online computer programming degree?
Computer programming degrees have long provided career opportunities in high-paying, in-demand roles, and this is expected to continue over the next decade. Programming expertise is crucial for technological innovation, making these roles highly sought after now and in the future. Graduates can pursue roles like:
- Data Scientist: Analyzing data to drive business strategies and develop AI models
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting organizations against cyber threats through advanced security measures
- Cloud Architect: Designing and implementing cloud-based solutions for businesses shifting to digital platforms
With a programming degree, you’ll gain skills that align with future industry needs, ensuring strong career prospects over the next decade.
Are online computer programming degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online computer programming degree programs are often as credible as their on-campus counterparts. They typically feature the same curriculum and are taught by the same qualified faculty.
Accreditation is key to ensuring credibility, confirming the program meets high academic standards. You should only consider attending schools approved by a regional accrediting organization, as this is the most reliable indicator of educational quality and employer acceptance. Our top picks for online computer programming degrees all hold regional accreditation, so you can feel confident in your education and its value in the job market.
How long does it take to complete an online computer programming degree program?
The time needed to earn an online computer programming degree depends on the degree level. A bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years of full-time study. Master’s programs, however, vary more widely, often requiring two to three years to complete, depending on credit requirements and whether students attend full- or part-time.
Are there specialization options within online computer programming degree programs?
Yes, these degree programs often offer specializations to help tailor your education to your career goals. Options may include cybersecurity for students interested in protecting systems from cyber threats or data science for those enthusiastic about analyzing and interpreting large datasets. Other specializations might focus on game development or mobile app programming, aligning with a fast-growing tech niche. Choosing one of these specializations will help you build expertise in a particular area, better prepare you for specific career opportunities, and give you a competitive edge in the job market — a smart move for long-term success.
What is the cost of an online computer programming degree?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for an undergraduate degree is $14,688, while the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513. While these numbers are great estimates, it’s important to note that costs can fluctuate significantly depending on a few factors — especially residency status, as in-state tuition at public institutions is often lower than out-of-state or private school rates.
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