How To Get Into Computer Science for Free

There are many careers in computer science, and the majority of them provide strong job security and lucrative wages. If you're hoping to get started in this field, you may wonder if you can do so without paying for an expensive degree. So, is it possible to become a computer scientist for free?

Though most programmers and other computer science professionals have at least an associate or bachelor's degree, many do not. It's possible to get started in computer science by taking online courses or participating in bootcamps or internships.

Even if you pursue a computer science degree, there are financial aid options available to help you complete your degree program. You may even find free and low-cost computer science degrees through this assistance. Keep reading to learn tips on how to become a computer scientist for free.

Tips For Becoming a Computer Scientist with Little to No Cost

Studying computer science doesn't have to be expensive. You can learn many of the technical skills you need, from using programming languages to designing artificial intelligence, for little or no money. Let's find out how.

1. Take Free Online Computer Science Courses

You can find free online courses covering just about any topic out there. Many free online computer science courses courses are available to help you learn concepts in computer science topics. Some of the best free online computer science courses include the following.

HarvardX's Introduction to Computer Science Course

Harvard University offers this free online course, CS50x, to the general public. The course is self-paced, with students studying an average of 11 to 20 hours a week and finishing in 11 weeks.

This entry-level course covers many topics, from data structures and web development to software engineering and using languages like JavaScript and SQL. Students learn to think analytically and develop problem-solving skills.

MIT's Intro to Computer Science and Programming Using Python Course

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a range of free online courses to the general public. One of these is the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python course.

This entry-level class helps students with no prior coding experience learn to use Python effectively. The course consists of notes, lecture videos, and assignments to help learners develop a well-rounded understanding of programming with Python.

UC Davis's Computer Simulations Course

The University of California Davis provides this computer science course through Coursera. The flexible, self-paced course takes about 12 hours of study time to complete and is designed for beginning students.

The program teaches students about computer simulations and how they can be used to study and improve society in the real world. As part of the course, you will design a computer-simulated city or society from the ground up.

2. Pursue Free and Low-Cost Online Computer Science Certificates

While free online courses often provide optional certificates after you pass the course, you may have to pay for the certificate. Let's look at some online courses offering free certificates that you can add to your resume to bolster your job search.

The Open University's Intro to Computers and Computer Systems Certificate

The Open University is a European university known for offering a wide range of free courses you can take from anywhere in the world. These courses typically lead to a free digital badge or certificate of participation.

The Introduction to Computers and Computer Systems course provides a broad foundation of computer science topics and knowledge for first-time computer science students. It leads to a free certificate upon completion.

The Open University's Intro to Computational Thinking Certificate

The Open University offers another introductory computer science course titled 'An Introduction to Computational Thinking.' This course leads to a free certificate of completion once you have finished it.

The course teaches students about abstraction and algorithms, as well as how to apply computational thinking techniques in various settings and disciplines. It takes about 12 hours of study to complete.

freeCodeCamp's Scientific Computing with Python Certificate

The learning platform freeCodeCamp is an open-source learning community that helps students learn programming and other computer science topics for free. It offers more than 700 courses through the online platform Class Central.

The Scientific Computing with Python course covers the basics of programming with Python, such as loops and variables, before moving on to more complex fundamentals like relational databases, networking, and data visualization. The self-paced course takes about 300 hours and culminates in a free certificate.

3. Apply for Computer Science Scholarships

If you'd rather get a degree in computer science, data science, software development, or a related field, scholarships can help you cover your program costs. Some top scholarships to consider include the following.

Betty Stevens-Frecknall Scholarship

This scholarship is available to any full-time student studying information technology or a related field. Those chosen to receive the scholarship demonstrate a combination of academic merit, leadership skills, and financial need.

AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarship

AFCEA International offers various scholarships for those interested in pursuing STEM majors, including computer science, cybersecurity, and network engineering. Students must be sophomores or juniors attending a four-year university full-time and have a GPA of 3.0 or better. Scholarship amounts are $2,500 each.

SMART Scholarship

The Department of Defense offers the SMART Scholarship program for STEM students. This competitive program is for undergraduate students with no previous college experience. It provides full tuition coverage at any accredited school in the U.S., along with an annual stipend, internship opportunities, and guaranteed employment opportunities after graduation.

4. Seek Employer Tuition Reimbursement

If you have a job, consider asking your employer if they provide tuition reimbursement benefits. Many employers are happy to fund some or all of their employees' educational costs.

Employers may also provide tuition assistance programs. Always check with your employer to learn about the terms of these benefits and whether or not you are eligible for them.

5. Enroll in Community College Programs

You can earn various career certificates and associate degrees at community colleges. Depending on the specialization, many of these programs can help you prepare for different careers in computer science.

Not only do these programs take less time than earning a bachelor's degree, but tuition rates at community colleges are typically less than at four-year schools. These programs are affordable and accessible whether you are starting right out of high school or going back to school after a long absence.

6. Fill out the FAFSA

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that can help students get financial aid from the government to help them pay for their degrees. Completing the FAFSA is required for various state and federal aid programs.

Any qualifying student attending an accredited school can complete the FAFSA regardless of financial status. Types of aid you could receive include grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

7. Network With Computer Science Professionals

In any profession, who you know is as important as what you know. Whether you attend college or not, networking with others in the computer science industry is an essential part of building your career.

Those in your professional network can provide you with resources, such as training opportunities, and further connections. They can also help you find out about job opportunities you might not have had access to otherwise.

8. Look for Internship Opportunities

Finally, working an internship or attending a training bootcamp is a great way to get your foot in the door. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience in machine learning, computer architecture, cryptography, and more.

Additionally, those who participate in internships and bootcamps have opportunities to meet professionals in computer science and network with them. They also have great opportunities to demonstrate their skills and dedication to the field, which can ultimately lead to paying positions.