7 Affordable Online Computer Science Degrees in Wisconsin

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many computer science professions are expected to be in high demand over the next decade. Most of these roles require some amount of higher education.

Busy students can explore low-cost online computer science degrees to help them reach their career goals. Keep reading to discover affordable online computer science degree programs in Wisconsin.

Affordable Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Wisconsin

There are many low-cost online colleges in Wisconsin and several of those offer computer science degrees. We've highlighted these programs below; all schools listed are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private Christian institution in Mequon, WI. It offers an online bachelor's degree in applied computer science and a master's degree in computer science.

The bachelor's program includes courses on topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, operating systems, and programming languages. It costs $490 per credit hour, and financial aid is available.

In the master's degree, students can choose a specialization in business data applications, information systems, or software engineering. The cost is $870 per credit and financial aid is available for this program as well.

2. Herzing University

At Herzing University, students can earn online bachelor's degrees in several areas of computer science, including:

• computer networking
• computer programming
• cybersecurity
• software development

Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution headquartered in Milwaukee. It charges $515 per credit hour and offers several scholarship opportunities to online students.

3. Lakeland University

Lakeland University offers a Bachelor of Science in computer science online. The private institution is based in Herman, WI.

The computer science major includes coursework on computer architecture, data structures, information security, and programming languages. It costs $550 per credit, and multiple scholarships are available to increase the affordability of online courses.

4. University of Wisconsin Extended Campus

The University of Wisconsin Extended Campus is a collaboration between the 13 public University of Wisconsin schools that offers online learning programs. One of these is a bachelor's degree in applied computer science. It is offered as a partnership between the Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Platteville, River Falls, and Stevens Point campuses.

This program includes courses in algorithms and data structures, computer systems, database management, web development, and more. Tuition is $525 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students, but in-state students may qualify to have their full tuition covered under the Wisconsin Promise program or another type of financial aid.

5. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

In addition to the bachelor's degree in applied computing through the consortium, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee also offers a Master of Science in computer science online. This program covers algorithms, data structures, operating systems, and programming languages.

The tuition cost is $933 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Various scholarships are available from UW-Milwaukee, some specifically for computer science students.

6. University of Wisconsin-Superior

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior can earn a computer science bachelor's degree online. UW-Superior is a public liberal arts institution in Superior, WI.

This online education program includes fundamental coursework on computer architecture, computer programming, database systems, software development, and more. The cost is $330 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state online students. Wisconsin residents may qualify for full tuition coverage under the Wisconsin Promise.

7. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is another campus in the University of Wisconsin system. It offers an online Master of Science in computer science with four specializations:

• cyber resilience
• cybersecurity engineering
• general computer science
• security engineering

Students can choose to complete the program with either a thesis or capstone project. The tuition rate is $708 per credit hour, and financial aid is available.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs above, our methodology was simple. We looked specifically at schools that:

• are located in Wisconsin
• are regionally accredited
• offer online bachelor's or master's degrees in computer science
• have a low tuition rate or offer or accept financial aid

Additionally, all schools on the list are online colleges that accept transfer credits, so students who have associate degrees or prior learning experience can still use their credits. Note that the amount of transfer credits a school accepts will vary.

FAQs About Online Programs in Computer Science

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online programs in computer science.

Are Online Computer Science Degrees Worth It?

Many students find an online computer science degree to be well worth the time, effort, and money spent. Computer science professionals are in demand, and an online degree provides far more flexibility than on-campus programs while still providing learners with real-world experiences.

These degrees often include fundamental core courses, as well as electives so students can tailor their coursework to their career goals. They also teach soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which are key to many industries.

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

Of the bachelor's degrees listed above, the cost ranges from $330-$550 per credit hour. However, the total cost of your degree program will depend on several factors, including what level of degree you're earning, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and whether you study full-time or part-time.

To help cover the cost of your degree, look for online colleges that accept financial aid. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for. FAFSA is run by the U.S. Department of Education and assesses your eligibility for federal financial aid programs, as well as many state programs.

What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

There are many careers you can pursue with a computer science degree. These include:

• computer programmer
• computer scientist
• database developer
• software engineer or developer
• systems administrator
• web developer

Note that some roles may require an advanced degree or industry certification.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Start your journey toward a career in computer science by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.