10 Affordable Online Master's in Computer Science Programs 2025

Nowadays, computer systems and artificial intelligence are integrated into everything, from cars and phones to point-of-sale systems at stores. This has led to increased demand for computer science degree holders, including online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree holders.

Earning an online master's in computer science is often the most affordable way to earn a graduate-level degree in this field. Learn more about the cheapest master's in computer science available from highly respected schools nationwide.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Computer Science?

A master's in computer science is an information technology graduate program that allows students to go deeper into specific areas of computer science than an undergraduate degree. These degrees often come with concentration options, such as computer engineering, data structures, and software development. They provide more advanced information than undergraduate programs and are often used by working professionals to advance their careers into senior-level management roles.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Computer Science Cost?

The average cost of a computer science master's degree is around $29,000, but several factors can affect this total cost. The biggest factors that impact the cost of your degree will be the total credit hours required for your program enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time) and how much financial aid (including grants and scholarships) you qualify for.

Cheapest Online Master's in Computer Science Programs

Higher education is an investment, but that doesn't mean you have to spend large amounts of money to enroll in online learning and earn an MSCS. These respected and accredited schools offer affordable online MSCS programs that can help you reach your goals without incurring large amounts of debt.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, has one of the most affordable MSCS programs in the nation. Students in the Georgia Tech online master's computer science degree program can choose from six concentrations, including computer graphics, human-computer interaction, machine learning, and more. Forbes magazine once dubbed this program ''The Greatest Degree Program Ever'' due to factors such as cost and quality of education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $225 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Georgia Tech students can qualify for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-based programs, like the Pell Grant, and other financial aid programs, like employer reimbursement.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has an online MSCS that includes six core courses and four electives. The core courses cover topics such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Most students complete this degree in around two years, but it can be completed in less time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $263 per credit hour
• Financial aid: GSW students can find tuition waivers and school-provided financial aid and use FAFSA-based financial aid programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has one of the top-ranked MSCS programs in the nation. Students complete 10 total courses, with three core courses and seven electives. These electives include options such as programming languages, advanced operating systems, and machine learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $334 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UT Austin accepts all FAFSA-based financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University (FSU) has a fully online MSCS that has two different concentration options. Students can choose between data science and cybersecurity.

This online program focuses on connecting lessons to real-world problems to prepare students for an ever-changing landscape. This program has 33 total credit hours and is designed to be completed in around two years, but students have up to six years to complete their degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $347 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FSU has both merit- and need-based scholarships available to learners to supplement FAFSA-based grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. National University

National University (NU) offers an MSCS degree in both a fully online and hybrid format, depending on your preference. This program does have prerequisites that allow students with non-CS undergraduate degrees to enroll. These prerequisites include JAVA, C++, and basic programming concepts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $656 per credit hour
• Financial aid: NU offers the Key Grant to students to supplement FAFSA-based programs.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a leader in online education and has a 30-credit Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science. This degree has two specializations: Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. This program utilizes 10-week courses and asynchronous learning to help working professionals learn new skills around other responsibilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts all FAFSA-based financial aid programs, and students can apply for school-provided scholarships as well.
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Online MS in computer science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is offered via a partnership between the school and Coursera. As a result, students can complete their degree in a fully self-paced format. Although all learning materials and lectures are delivered through Coursera, lessons are taught and coordinated by UIUC faculty, and students can connect with their professors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $698 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UIUC's online students can submit their FAFSA documents to receive scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's (ASU) Master of computer science program is delivered through 7.5-week online courses. Students can choose between cybersecurity and big data systems concentrations to highlight specific skills.

Regardless of concentration, students work with computer networking, software systems, and network security. ASU's College of Engineering (the home of this program) routinely tops rankings in respected publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, for quality education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $726 per credit hour
• Financial aid: ASU offers multiple institutional scholarships and accepts FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

9. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers an online MSCS degree in a mixed format. This means coursework is delivered in both synchronous (scheduled, live class times) and asynchronous (self-scheduled) classes. Most students complete this degree in 18 to 24 months. There are three concentrations available: Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering.

• Estimated tuition cost: $744 per credit hour
• Financial aid: In addition to FAFSA-based aid, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers students departmental scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online MSCS with three specialization options: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computing Systems, or Human-Computer Interaction. Unlike most schools, WGU charges students for six-month periods, where they can complete as many courses and certificates as they choose during these semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,385 per 6-month semester (cost per credit varies based on student's chosen course load)
• Financial aid: WGU offers scholarships based on military service, need, merit, and even residency. Students can also submit their FAFSA documents.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How We Rank Schools

We use three strict criteria when evaluating schools to ensure that our recommendations aren't just affordable but also accredited and well-respected.

• Accreditation: Each program on this list has regional accreditation, meaning they meet national education standards.
• Affordability: All of the programs on this list have tuition costs under $1,000 per credit hour and financial aid packages that can further reduce costs.
• Program reputation: All of these programs have also received third-party acknowledgments from publications, such as U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Computer Science Degree

The exact degree plan for an online Master's in computer science will vary from school to school, but there are many common features you can expect. An MSCS degree will usually be about 30 to 33 credit hours, combining core courses and electives, and it takes learners about two years to finish.

This length can vary based on enrollment status and total credit requirements. Most MSCS programs also have specialization or concentration options to steer your education toward a certain career path.

FAQs About the Cheapest Computer Science Master's Programs

Many students, even ones with computer science undergraduate degrees, have questions about online computer science master's programs. Common questions include value, career outcomes, and degree length.

Is an Online Master's in Computer Science Worth It?

Yes, accredited online computer science master's degrees can be worth it. These degrees are an affordable and flexible way to advance your career. Master's degrees allow for higher earning potentials and higher positions than undergraduate degrees.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Computer Science Degree?

A master's in computer science can lead to careers as computer and information systems managers, computer systems analysts, computer and information scientists, and more. Different positions will be available based on concentrations or chosen electives, so it's important to pick the degree pathway that reflects your goals.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Computer Science Online?

An average master's in computer science takes around 24 months to complete. Some schools offer self-paced programs or accelerated pathways that can take under a year, while part-time programs can take over three.

Can I Get a Master's Degree in Computer Science Without a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science?

It is possible to earn a master's in computer science without CS undergrad training. Some schools have a limited prerequisite list that covers the fundamentals needed to begin an MSCS program, to help students from other undergraduate programs transition seamlessly.

Discover Online Computer Science Degrees

Read our articles and school profiles to learn more about these programs and the other high-quality computer science degrees available. Once you've found your dream school, learn how you can request information and begin your application process today.