7 Affordable Online Computer Science Degrees in California

California has one of the world's biggest tech hubs, making it an excellent place for computer science majors. Unfortunately, earning a degree can be time-consuming and expensive, but students have many options to reduce these costs.

Low-cost online computer science degrees can be a great option for those who struggle to find the time or money to complete their higher education. Keep reading to discover affordable online computer science programs in California.

Affordable Online Computer Science Degree Programs in California

There are multiple low-cost online colleges in California, especially for students who qualify for financial aid programs like the CalGrant. Many of these institutions offer computer science degrees. We've highlighted several below.

1. California State University, Channel Islands

California State University Channel Islands is a public institution in Camarillo, CA. It offers an online Master of Science in computer science that covers topics like:

• artificial intelligence
• cybersecurity
• data analytics
• software engineering

The tuition rate for this online master's degree is $525 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available to help distance learning students pay for their education.

2. California State University Chico

At another member of the CSU system, Cal State Chico, students can earn an online master's degree in computer science. It includes coursework on software design, algorithms, network forensics, and machine learning.

Tuition for full-time graduate students is $9,828 per year. Multiple institutional scholarships and state grants are available to online students.

3. California State University Monterey Bay

California State University Monterey Bay offers an online Bachelor of Science in computer science with an optional concentration in software engineering. Coursework covers computer networks, operating systems, database systems, and algorithms.

The public university, located in Seaside, CA, charges $550 per credit for this program, with in-state and out-of-state students paying the same amount. Online learners can take advantage of institutional scholarships, as well as the CSU system's State University Grant, the Cal Grant, or federal programs.

4. Columbia College

Columbia College is based in Columbia, MO, but has several campuses across the U.S., including one in Imperial, CA, and two in San Diego. This private nonprofit school offers an online bachelor's degree in computer science that includes courses on fundamentals like:

• computer systems
• information security
• operating systems
• software development

Tuition for this program is $375 per credit hour. The college offers several scholarship opportunities to help distance education and online learning students.

5. Jessup University

Students at Jessup University can earn an online Bachelor of Science in computer science. The private Christian school is located in Rocklin, CA.

The program offers specializations in cybersecurity, data analytics, data science, and software engineering. Tuition is $500 per credit hour, with various scholarships and grants available.

6. National University

National University offers a bachelor's and a master's degree in computer science online. Courses cover data structures, web development, information systems, and software engineering.

The private, nonprofit university is based in San Diego. Tuition for the bachelor's degree is $348 per credit hour, while the master's degree costs $433 per credit. National offers various scholarship opportunities to increase the affordability of its online courses.

7. University of the People

University of the People is a tuition-free online college based in Pasadena, CA. It offers a bachelor's degree in computer science.

While there are no tuition costs for this program, students do pay a $60 application fee and an assessment fee of $140 per course. Financial aid is available for those who need help paying for this portion of their online education.

Note that, unlike other programs on this list, the University of the People is currently nationally accredited, not regionally accredited. However, it is currently in candidacy with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a body that offers regional accreditation.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the best colleges that were affordable and offered online computer science degrees in California, our methodology was simple. We looked at schools that:

• are based in or have a campus in California
• are regionally accredited or in candidacy for regional accreditation
• offer online bachelor's or master's degrees in computer science
• have low tuition rates or offer or accept financial aid options

We then created this list using the lowest-cost options.

FAQs About Online Computer Science Degrees

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

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

Of the bachelor's programs listed above, tuition ranges from virtually free to $500 per credit hour. However, your final tuition costs will depend on several factors, such as whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, whether you study full-time or part-time, the number of transfer credits you bring in, and the financial aid you qualify for.

Look for online colleges that accept transfer credits, in-state schools, and nonprofits to lower these costs.

How Do I Pay for an Online Computer Science Bachelor's Degree?

Some students can pay for college out-of-pocket, but most cannot. In that case, financial aid is the best way to pay for your higher education.

Look for online colleges that accept FAFSA. Luckily, most do, although financial aid options may differ between on-campus and online degree programs.

To qualify for financial aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This assesses your eligibility for federal programs, like the Pell Grant, and state programs, like the Cal Grant. The Cal Grant covers up to full tuition at public schools and a large chunk of tuition at private ones.

There are other things you can do to make your degree more affordable as well. For example, many students start by earning an associate degree at a community college and then transfer into a degree completion program at a four-year institution.

What Can I Do With an Online Computer Science Degree?

There are several career paths you can take with an online computer science degree. Some roles may include:

• computer and information systems manager
• computer programmer
• computer systems engineer
• cybersecurity analyst
• database administrator
• software or app developer
• web designer

Some computer science degrees provide specializations so you can tailor your coursework to your career goals. Many also offer internships and other hands-on, real-world experiences.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

Prepare for a career in computer science by exploring the online bachelor's degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid options.