5 Affordable Online Computer Science Degrees in Colorado

A computer science degree can lead to numerous lucrative and in-demand career paths. Perhaps you live in Colorado and would like to earn an online degree in this field, but you're concerned about how you're going to pay for it. Are there any schools in your state offering affordable computer science degrees online?

Keep reading as we discuss some top Colorado schools to consider in your quest for a low-cost online degree program. We'll also answer a few commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.

Affordable Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Colorado

Four affordable online colleges in Colorado provide bachelor's programs in computer science. Let's take a closer look at each of these schools and the degrees they offer.

1. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online college headquartered in Denver. This program provides a flexible Bachelor of Science in computer science designed for busy nontraditional students. Coursework covers various computer science fundamentals, such as programming languages, machine learning, and data structures.

This affordable bachelor's degree costs $375 per credit hour. Students can pursue financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help pay for school, and the university's tuition lock guarantee ensures your tuition rates never go up.

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University, located in Fort Collins, is the flagship school of the Colorado State University System. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in computer science that allows you to finish on your own timeframe. It is highly customizable, offering five program concentrations in addition to the general track:

• networks and security
• computing systems
• software engineering
• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• human-centered computing

Students in this program can expect to pay $476 per credit hour. The school offers scholarships and financial aid packages that can help cover the cost of the degree.

3. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is a private, for-profit school headquartered in Colorado Springs and provides mostly online degrees. Students at this school can earn an online Bachelor of Science in computer science offering a general track and specializations in the following areas:

• data science
• software engineering
• cybersecurity engineering

This bachelor's program costs $340 per credit hour. Students can save money by ''testing out'' of courses with the FastTrack option. Scholarships, financial aid, tuition discounts, and a generous transfer credit policy also help reduce the cost of tuition.

4. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private Christian school in Lakewood that enrolls more than 10,000 students. It offers several degree completion programs online, including a Bachelor of Science in computer science. Topics covered in this comprehensive program include developing algorithms, using operating systems, and understanding information systems management.

This program costs $494 per credit hour. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program and may be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.

Other Affordable Online Computer Science Programs

Online learners have the advantage of being able to study anywhere. With this in mind, let's consider some top out-of-state schools that provide higher education programs for aspiring computer scientists.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a large private school boasting an enrollment of nearly 157,000 students. It is headquartered in Utah but provides exclusively online degrees in career-focused fields. One of these programs is a Bachelor of Science in computer science. This program helps students develop the problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities necessary in computer science, with online courses including:

• data management
• web development foundations
• Java frameworks
• back-end programming
• computer architecture

This school charges tuition per six-month term and allows students to take as many courses as they can per term. Tuition rates are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students at $4,085 per term. Scholarships, financial aid, tuition discounts, and transfer credits can also help you save on your education.

2. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public school in Kansas with a wealth of online degree programs. One of these is a Bachelor of Science in computer science. Students learn valuable skills related to computer science project management, data analytics, and computer engineering.

The degree is one of the most affordable in the nation, with online tuition rates of $257.33 per credit hour for all students regardless of residency. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities can help lower costs even further.

3. Louisiana State University Alexandria

Louisiana State University Alexandria is a public school belonging to the LSU System. It is known for providing flexible, affordable degree programs. One option available is a Bachelor of Science in computer science. This program is ideal for both full-time and part-time students, providing flexible study options and various free electives that allow students to explore their interests.

This bachelor's program costs $325 for both in-state and out-of-state students. A generous transfer policy makes it easy to save on your degree, and scholarships and financial aid options can help you save even more.

Our Selection Criteria

Here at Learn.org, we have high standards for the schools we feature in our rank lists. For maximum quality and affordability, each of the schools in this article has been selected based on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: All the schools above are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized organization such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Tuition rates: Each school offers tuition rates below $500 per credit hour or below $12,000 per year.
• Financial aid availability: All the programs come from online colleges that accept financial aid from the FAFSA and other outside sources, and many of the schools offer scholarships and aid packages of their own.

FAQs About Online Programs in Computer Science

If you are still wondering about completing online coursework and pursuing a career in computer science, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.

Can You Get a Good Computer Science Degree Online?

Yes, the schools in this article are considered high-ranking online programs. They provide flexibility and affordability without compromising quality. Students enrolled in these programs receive the same education as on-campus students � just in a convenient online format.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Computer Science Degree Online?

Online degree programs vary widely in affordability. Among the schools discussed above, tuition rates range from $257.33 to $494 per credit hour � except Western Governors University, which charges per term regardless of how many credits you complete.

Remember, these figures only account for tuition rates; other fees and expenses may also apply. Still, many online colleges in Colorado accept FAFSA to help cover these expenses. Aside from financial aid, online colleges that accept transfer credits can also help you reduce this cost.

Where Can I Work with an Affordable Online Computer Science Degree?

A degree in computer science qualifies you to work in a wide range of tech fields, from information technology to software development to electrical engineering to database management. Some specific job titles you could pursue with a computer science degree include:

• computer programmer
• computer systems analyst
• information security analyst
• database systems administrator
• computer network architect

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to start your computer science journey as an online student, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools' admissions offices today to find out more about their degree programs and to discover which one is right for you.