10 Affordable Online Computer Information Systems Degrees 2025

Business has never been so driven by data and technology, and as a result, employees in these fields are now in high demand. Those with degrees in areas like computer information systems (CIS) can find careers in business, government, healthcare, and more.

While these careers are in demand and often pay well, they typically require a degree. To create more flexibility, many schools offer CIS degrees online and at an affordable rate. Keep reading to discover some of the most affordable computer information systems degrees.

What Is an Online Computer Information Systems Degree?

A degree in computer information systems sits at the crossroads between computer science and information technology. These programs teach students to use computers to solve problems and manage data using technology.

These are often offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, but you'll also find them as Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees. An online degree means you complete your coursework online instead of on campus, which provides flexibility for many students.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in CIS Cost?

The cost of an online computer information systems degree can vary depending on multiple factors, including which school you choose, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, the number of transfer credits you have, and the financial aid you qualify for (including grants, scholarships, and more).

Many programs in the U.S. are below $400 per credit, with some even lower than that. But there are also schools that charge over $1,000 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online CIS Degrees

While computer information science degrees can be expensive, they don't have to be. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable online CIS degrees for 2025.

1. Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College is a public school in Melbourne, FL. It offers a flexible BAS in computer information systems technology that prepares students to work in a rapidly growing career field.

The program offers one fully online concentration in program and software development, as well as hybrid concentrations in computer project management, cybersecurity, data science, and networking systems. The CIST degree is one of a handful included in EFSC's $10,000 bachelor's program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $128.51 per credit (in-state); $505.92 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: EFSC accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Houston-Victoria

At the University of Houston-Victoria, students can pursue an online computer information systems program. Concentrations in cybersecurity and data science are available.

UHV, a public university, is located in Victoria, TX. It prepares students in this program to thrive in various programming or non-programming, technical, or management positions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $212.94 per credit (in-state); $390 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UHV accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Maine at Augusta

The University of Maine at Augusta offers a BS in computer information systems online. UMA is a public college in Augusta, ME.

This program offers concentrations in networking, systems administration, software development, and web development. It also requires an internship for all students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $268 per credit (in-state); $469 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UMA accepts FAFSA and private aid and also offers institutional student aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. Southeast Missouri State University

The online bachelor's in computer information systems at Southeast Missouri State University prepares students to create software needed by governments and businesses. It also teaches students how to analyze information to make intelligent digital solutions.

SEMO, located in Cape Girardeau, MO, is a public university. Its CIS major offers tracks in artificial intelligence, business administration, and cybersecurity, and requires an internship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: SEMO offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University is a public institution in Valdosta, GA. It offers an online BS in computer information systems.

This program focuses on problem-solving, analysis, design, and implementation of software systems. It requires core courses in software engineering, databases, and computer networking, and also has a strong business component.

• Estimated tuition cost: $299 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Valdosta State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Peru State College

Students at Peru State University can earn a BS in business administration with a concentration in computer and management information systems (CMIS) online. This degree equips students with a comprehensive understanding of both computer science principles and management strategies.

Peru State, a public college, is located in Peru, NE. The CMIS program here includes core business courses as well as courses on computer programming, network administration, database management, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $316 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Peru State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas offers an online BBA in computer information systems. UCA is a public university in Conway, AR.

This option includes a business foundation with a focus on technology, especially hardware and software. Students can choose electives in areas like programming, networking, web design, and database technologies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $319 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UCA accepts FAFSA and private aid, and also offers institutional student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Pennsylvania Western University Global

The computer information systems degree at Pennsylvania Western University Global is an online option that prepares students to develop and implement new computer technologies. Courses cover programming languages, systems analysis, information security, and more.

PennWest Global, part of the public PennWest system, is an online campus. Its CIS program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,997 per term (in-state); $4,077 per term (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: PennWest Global offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. Champlain College

Champlain College is a private, nonprofit school in Burlington, VT. It offers an online computer information systems degree program that provides an education on both the latest technologies and the interpersonal skills required in a CIS professional.

Students will take courses on computer programming, cybersecurity, data structures, and project management. They also have the opportunity to earn specialized CIS certificates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $335 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Champlain College accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Through SNHU, students can earn a BS in computer information systems online. This program combines business core courses in accounting, leadership, finance, and marketing with major courses focused on scripting, application development, and enterprise information systems.

SNHU, a nonprofit, private university, is located in Manchester, NH. It offers this program in eight-week terms and requires students to complete a capstone project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online computer information systems degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: Every program is less than $400 for in-state students, and many are less than $400 for out-of-state students as well.
• Program reputation: All schools are nonprofit and offer high-quality online programs.

What To Expect From an Online CIS Degree

Online computer information systems degrees require 120 or more credit hours. Most full-time students can finish a bachelor's degree in four years, although part-time or accelerated options may be available.

Coursework in a CIS program typically covers topics like:

• algorithms
• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• computer applications
• computer networks
• data structures
• information security
• programming languages like Java
• software applications
• software development

In addition to CIS fundamentals, your program may require an internship or capstone project. Some allow you to choose a concentration, like cybersecurity or data science.

FAQs About Online Computer Information Systems Degrees

Finding the perfect online degree isn't always easy. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online CIS degrees to help you out.

Is an Online Computer Information Systems Degree Worth It?

Many students find that earning an online computer information systems degree is worth it. These programs allow you to become a data, software, or IT professional, fields that are currently in demand.

What's the Difference Between Computer Science and CIS?

Computer science and computer information systems are very similar fields, but they're not the same. When looking at computer information systems vs. computer science, it's important to understand that their focuses are different.

Computer science degrees study computers, specifically how they work and how to make computer products. CIS programs, meanwhile, focus on computers and information technology to solve business problems. However, someone in a CIS program still needs a basic understanding of computer science.

If you're debating information systems vs. computer science, know that many job options are available to those with either degree, but not all.

What Careers Can I Pursue With an Online CIS Bachelor's Degree?

Multiple computer information systems jobs are available to degree holders. Common career options include:

• application developer
• computer and information systems manager
• data analyst
• database administrator
• information systems specialist
• programmer
• systems analyst
• system support specialist
• web developer

Should I Pursue a Master's in Computer Information Systems?

A master's degree in CIS is not a requirement for many computer information systems jobs. However, a master's in CIS can open up new career opportunities or help you further your career goals.

Discover Online Technology Degrees

Find the perfect online computer information systems degree by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.