10 Affordable Online Computer Science Associate Degrees 2025

Earning an online associate degree in computer science from an accredited program can help you secure jobs in IT support, data management, and web development. If you've finished high school and are interested in technology, pursuing an associate degree in computer science can help.

While the process may feel overwhelming from a financial aspect, it doesn't have to be, as many affordable online computer science associate degree programs exist. Keep reading to determine which online computer science associate degree program may be right for you.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Computer Science?

An online associate degree in computer science is a degree program that is typically completed in two years and focuses on computer information systems. While education requirements may vary by school, students usually learn about web development, writing code, and managing data.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Computer Science Cost?

Earning a computer science associate degree online may cost less than earning a degree in a traditional program. Multiple factors influence the overall cost of the degree, including:

• institution type (public or private)
• residency status (in-state or out-of-state)
• number of credits required to complete the program
• financial aid offered

Financial aid options, in particular, vary from student to student and depend on their eligibility to receive federal loans and grants, whether they have received scholarships, and whether they qualify for military discounts.

At a tuition-free school like University of the People, the overall cost of a degree may be $3,260, while at another school, the cost may be higher. University of the People only charges course assessment fees, while other schools charge tuition and fees.

Cheapest Online Computer Science Associate Degrees

There are multiple online programs where you can earn an associate in computer science. We'll highlight them below.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an Associate of Science (AS) in computer science program. Students learn about data structures, programming languages such as Java, and more.

Students can also transfer credits from their associate degree to earn a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or information technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (active-duty military and spouses); $342 per credit (all other students)
• Financial aid: SNHU uses the FAFSA to determine students' eligibility to receive financial aid in the form of grants and repayable loans. The university also offers a military discount, scholarships, and the ability to transfer credits earned at other institutions.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an associate degree program in information systems. A total of 60 credits is needed to earn this degree, with the option to transfer in up to 75% of the degree total. Students who enroll in this program will learn how to better manage computer systems.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit hour (military); $390 per credit hour (full-time students); $455 per credit hour (part-time students)
• Financial aid: Students should complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility to receive grants and loans. In addition, the university offers scholarships, as well as discounted tuition to military and first responders.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University offers 100% online associate degree programs in computer science, computer information technology, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Sixty total credits are needed for degree completion, with courses completed in five-, seven-, or 10-week blocks.

These programs can be completed in less than two years, even without prior coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit hour (military); $300 per credit hour (veteran dependents); $494 per credit hour (all other students)
• Financial aid: The university uses the FAFSA to determine grant and loan eligibility. The university also offers scholarships and military benefits through the GI Bill®.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Franklin University

Franklin University offers an associate degree program in computer science. This transfer-friendly, 100% online program helps students earn a degree on their schedule. Through this program, students will learn about object-oriented programming, algorithms, and software development.

• Estimated tuition cost: $398 per credit
• Financial aid: The FAFSA is used to determine a student's eligibility to receive grants and loans. In addition, the university accepts private loans and offers scholarships and payment plans.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College offers an associate degree program in computer science with online and in-person options. The program helps students develop critical thinking and mathematical skills and prepares them for entry-level programmer positions. Students who complete this program can transfer to George Mason University, where they can earn their bachelor's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $224.56 (residents, military and veteran dependents); $253.06 (military contract out-of-state); $444.38 (non-residents)
• Financial aid: Students should apply for the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for loans and grants. The school also offers scholarships, has a transfer credit policy, and offers discounted tuition to military personnel and their dependents.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Arkansas at Grantham

The University of Arkansas at Grantham offers an online associate's degree in computer science. Educational requirements include a mix of general education courses in the humanities and program core courses focused on computer networks, information security, and more. This high-quality program is both comprehensive and practical, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

• Estimated tuition cost: $305 per credit
• Financial aid: The university uses the FAFSA to determine students' eligibility to receive loans and grants. The university also offers benefits to military students, including discounted tuition, waived resource fees, and free laptops upon enrollment.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

7. College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland offers two associate degree programs, one in computer science and one in computer science with cloud computing. By enrolling in either of these programs, students will develop the problem-solving skills and conceptual knowledge needed to thrive in computer science careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $140 to $245 per credit (residents, varies by county); $335 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students should complete the FAFSA to determine their federal loan and grant eligibility. Additionally, the university accepts private loans and offers scholarships and payment plans.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. Foothill College

Foothill College offers an online associate degree program in computer science. Through this program, students will use software engineering tools to write code and will learn about programs such as Python and JavaScript.

• Estimated tuition cost: $280 per credit
• Financial aid: The FAFSA is used to determine students' eligibility to receive federal financial aid. The university offers scholarships and tuition assistance for veterans.
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges

9. University of Northwestern-St. Paul

The University of Northwestern-St. Paul offers an online associate degree in computer science. This academic program is aimed at students with strong math and technical skills who want to transition into a four-year program.

This online learning program also provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to become computer programmers and information professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit
• Financial aid: The university uses the FAFSA to determine students' eligibility to receive federal loans and grants. Additionally, the university offers scholarships and military discounts and accepts private loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of the People

University of the People, a tuition-free school, offers an online associate degree program in computer science. Through this program, students will learn about computing technology, build conceptual models of computer hardware, and more. Students must pass prerequisites in areas such as statistics and programming fundamentals before completing their required courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $160 assessment fee per course
• Financial aid: Because the university is tuition-free, it does not participate in any state or federal financial aid programs. However, the university offers scholarships to students who may need help covering assessment fees.
• Accreditation: DEAC, WSCUC

Learn More: Are There Free Computer Science Degrees?

How We Rank Schools

We compiled this list based on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: All programs featured in this list are accredited by a valid accreditor.
• Affordability: We selected programs that offered tuition under $500 per credit and provided financial aid options, including scholarships and military discounts.
• Program reputation: We chose programs that offer a mix of elective and program-specific courses, that balance conceptual knowledge with real-world experience, and that offer options to further students' education by allowing them to transfer their credits to a bachelor's degree program.

How To Find an Affordable Online Computer Science Degree

There are many affordable online computer science degree programs offered at top universities. Students who choose an in-state school typically pay lower tuition than out-of-state residents.

In addition, each program offers various types of financial aid, such as scholarships or military discounts. Some universities even accept private loans or offer a payment plan to help students pay for their tuition at a frequency that works for them.

By utilizing their available options, students can earn a high-quality degree at a lower cost.

Learn More: Cheap Associate Degree Programs Online

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Computer Science Degrees

You may still have questions about obtaining an associate degree in computer science. Below, we answer FAQs about time to completion, career options, and more.

Is an Online Computer Science Degree Worth It?

An online computer science degree is worthwhile. Computer science is a growing field with high demand. Having a computer science degree can help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to work in IT or similar fields. It can also help you define long-term career goals, such as obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree or completing internships.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Associate Degree in Computer Science?

It usually takes about two years to complete an online associate degree in computer science. However, students may earn their degree faster if they enroll in a program that allows them to transfer credits from another institution.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Computer Science Degree?

There are various computer science associate degree jobs. Students can become web developers, IT support specialists, systems analysts, or project managers. They can also handle database management and work with operating systems.

How Much Can I Make With an Online Associate Degree in Computer Science?

The salary one can earn with an associate degree in computer science typically varies by amount of experience and job type. According to Indeed, an IT support specialist makes $56,484 annually, while a systems administrator makes $81,035 annually.

Discover Online Computer Science Degrees

To find which program is right for you, reach out to schools of interest or explore additional content on Learn.org.