Top 7 Free Online Computer Science Degrees 2025

Earning a degree in computer science can pave the way for a job in technology, but many students have a hard time finding the time or the money to earn a degree. Luckily, several colleges and universities offer online computer science programs.

More and more tuition-free online schools and state governments are working to bring affordable college programs to students. Keep reading to discover some of the top free and affordable online computer science degrees for 2025.

Free Online Computer Science Degree Programs

There are very few colleges in the United States that are tuition-free schools � and of those, none offer online computer science degrees. However, there are some colleges with computer science programs that offer financial aid that can completely cover tuition for eligible students.

This is usually through last-dollar scholarship programs, in which the college covers whatever tuition costs are left after the Pell Grant and other types of financial aid are applied. These are usually need-based and typically only offered to in-state students.

Below, we've featured some colleges with extensive financial aid programs that make college free or almost free for students seeking online computer science degrees.

1. Baker College

Baker College is a private, nonprofit school based in Owosso, MI. It offers an online bachelor's degree in computer science with three specializations:

• artificial intelligence
• computer programming
• data analytics

To help students pay for their online courses, Baker College offers the BeFree Tuition Guarantee, which covers tuition costs for students whether they study on campus or online. To qualify, you must be an undergraduate student, qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award, have a GPA of 2.5, and attend school at least part-time.

2. Ball State University

At Ball State University, students can earn an online bachelor's degree in computer and information technology. BSU is a public research university in Muncie, IN.

This program offers concentrations in network infrastructure and systems infrastructure. Both include coursework covering programming languages and fundamentals, cybersecurity, computer systems, and project management.

Full-time, in-state students may qualify for the 21st Century Scholars Program, which covers tuition costs for students who completed the Scholar Success Program in high school. Otherwise, part-time students may apply for for the Adult Student Grant, which covers tuition costs and fees.

3. Dickinson State University

Through Dickinson State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in computer science online. The program includes courses on topics like cloud computing, object-oriented programming, software engineering, and Linux operating systems.

Dickinson State is a public university in Dickinson, ND. It offers the Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship, a last-dollar scholarship, to Pell-eligible students from North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota.

4. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University is a public institution based in Portales, NM. It offers an online bachelor's in computer science that covers concepts such as:

• computer architecture
• computer networks
• data structures
• web development

While tuition at ENMU is some of the lowest in the nation, online students may have up to 100% of their tuition costs covered by the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship. To qualify, students must be in-state residents and studying full-time.

5. Thomas Edison State University

Students at Thomas Edison State University will find a Bachelor of Arts in computer science online that includes coursework on data structures, operating systems, information technology, and more. TESU is a public university in Trenton, NJ, geared toward adult learners.

Several grant programs are available to students at TESU, including a last-dollar scholarship called the Garden State Guarantee, available to New Jersey residents who have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) under $65,000 and are studying full-time. Other financial aid options include the need-based New Jersey State Tuition Aid Grant and the GO-TESU Grant Opportunity Program for adult learners.

6. University of Southern Mississippi

Through the University of Southern Mississippi, students can earn a bachelor's degree in applied computer science online. It includes courses on algorithms and machine learning, software development, and programming languages like Python and Java.

USM is a public research university based in Hattiesburg, MS. Through the state's Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students, in-state students who meet income limitations may qualify for complete coverage of their tuition costs.

7. University of Wisconsin- Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public institution in Platteville, WI. It offers an online bachelor's degree in applied computing that covers topics such as:

• information security
• object-oriented programming
• software engineering
• web development

Through the Wisconsin Tuition Promise, undergraduate students may qualify for their full tuition costs to be covered. Eligibility requirements include being an in-state resident, being enrolled full-time, and having an AGI of $55,000 or under.

FAQs About Free Online Computer Science Courses and Degrees

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online computer science courses and degrees.

Can You Get a Computer Science Degree Online for Free?

While there are no colleges that offer free computer science degrees, with the right financial aid, you may be able to have all of your tuition, and even your fees, covered. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to figure out what you qualify for.

How Long Is an Online Computer Science Degree?

Bachelor's degrees in computer science are usually about four years long for students who study full-time. Typically, colleges and universities require students to spend their first year or two taking general education courses, which usually cover English composition, humanities and social sciences, and mathematics, as well as any prerequisites needed for the major.

Once you've completed those, you can move on to your major courses in computer science, which cover a range of topics like artificial intelligence and machine learning, algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture and computer networks, software development, and more. You may also take courses on topics, such as information technology, cybersecurity, and data science.

Associate degree programs usually take about two years to complete, just as master's degrees; doctoral degrees take several years.

What Are the Benefits of a Free Online Computer Science Course?

Several online learning platforms, like Coursera and EdX, offer courses and bootcamps that you can audit for free. These free online courses are available from some of the top universities in the country, like Harvard University, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford University.

You can find introductory courses that provide a foundation for computer science and computational thinking. These types of courses allow beginners to get a hands-on, self-paced education in computer science.

Intermediate courses that focus on specific topics are also available. For example, you could take a course that just covers programming in Javascript. These are a great way for computer scientists and programmers to improve their skills in a particular area.

Discover Online Degrees in Computer Science

If you're ready to earn your online degree in computer science, check out the high-quality programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.