How To Pay For a Computer Science Degree

Computer science is an in-demand field, and earning a computer science degree will teach you about:

• algorithms
• artificial intelligence
• project management
• programming languages
• software engineering
• web design

Unfortunately, these degrees can be pricey. If you're struggling to pay for your computer science degree, there are several options you can pursue. Keep reading to learn more about paying for a computer science degree.

What Is the Average Cost of a Computer Science Degree?

The cost of a computer science degree can depend on many factors, such as what level of degree you're earning. It can also depend on factors like:

• if you're attending a public or private school
• if the school you're attending is public, if you're an in-state student
• what state the school is in
• what financial aid you qualify for

Below, we've broken down some average costs of a computer science degree by degree level.

Associate Degree

Associate degrees are two-year degrees usually offered by community and technical colleges, but sometimes by larger colleges and universities. The cost of an associate degree usually depends on how many credits you need, not the specific major. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of an undergraduate degree at a two-year institution is 3,885 per year. That works out to just under $8,000 for two years.

Bachelor's Degree

Like with associate degrees, the cost of a bachelor's degree depends more on the credits you'll need rather than the specific major. On average, a bachelor's degree in the U.S. costs $17,709 per year or $70,836 for four years. Public universities usually charge lower tuition than private ones. According to the NCES, the average tuition at public universities is $9,750 per year while the average at private ones is $38,421 per year.

Master's Degree

Tuition for graduate degrees is more likely to vary by major than tuition for undergraduate degrees. While there is no official data on the average cost of a master's degree in computer science, the Education Data Initiative does have information on the average cost of a master's degree.

Across the U.S., the average cost of a Master of Science degree is $57,770. For example, a bachelor's degree can vary significantly in cost from public to private universities.

Tips for Paying for a Computer Science Degree

College tuition can be expensive. However, options are available to help you pay for your degree program. Below, we've offered some tips for paying for a computer science degree.

1. Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that determines your eligibility for financial aid. All students who have a financial need should fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA application is available at StudentAid.gov. You'll need your family's financial information and the application process takes about an hour.

2. Explore Computer Science Scholarship Programs

Scholarships are great because you don't need to pay them back. The government and private entities offer scholarships for various reasons, including academic success, extracurricular activities, and your major. We've listed a few excellent scholarship opportunities for computer science students below.

Association for Iron & Steel Technology Steel Intern Scholarship

The Association for Iron and Steel Technology offers 50 Steel Intern Scholarships yearly. These scholarships include a paid summer internship and $7,500 toward your tuition. Students must be enrolled in a full-time undergrad program studying engineering, computer science, data science, or a related field. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and submit an essay.

Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship

The Foundation for IT Education offers the Bettsy Stevens Frecknall Scholarship to students studying:

• computer science
• information systems
• information technology

Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 to qualify. Students must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be enrolled full-time, and have completed at least one semester in their program. The amount gifted and number of scholarships offered varies by year.

Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship

The Computer Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers offers a $1,000 scholarship to active society members. The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students in computer science, computer engineering, or a similar program. Applicants need to have a GPA of 2.5. They'll also need to submit their official college transcripts and a letter of recommendation.

3. Review Fellowships for Computer Science Majors

Fellowships are a type of financial aid where students are paid to work. Some are run like paid internships, while others are meant to fund doctoral research. Below, we've dug into some fellowships for computer science majors.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program by the National Science Foundation is a fellowship for those pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Students receive $16,000 toward their tuition and $37,000 toward their research. Students also receive access to opportunities for professional development. To apply, students must submit information about their proposed research field.

Computer and Information Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships (CSGrad4US) Program

The National Science Foundation also offers the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships (CSGrad4US) Program. It's for students with a bachelor's degree who want to pursue graduate studies in computer and information science.

The fellowship offers mentorship to help students choose and apply for their graduate program. It also provides $16,000 per year for tuition and a $37,000 stipend.

NIST's Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering Fellowship

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a fellowship program for graduate students studying any field relating to measurement science and engineering research. It completely covers the cost of graduate school tuition. It also offers students a $20,000 stipend, $3,000 per month for cost of living expenses, and $1,000 for travel if needed. Students act as guest researchers at NIST and m; just complete at least one summer internship.

4. Examine Student Loan Options

Most students prefer not to take out student loans, but sometimes scholarships and fellowships aren't enough to cover the cost of your computer science program. In that case, you'll need loans. The federal government offers student loans, as do many private companies. Things like interest rate and deferment options vary between loans, so do your research to determine what type of loan is the best option for you,

5. Consider a Work-Study Program

Colleges and universities offer work-study programs to help students pay for their tuition. Through these programs, you'll work at your school or a partnering business, and the money will go toward your tuition. You may be able to find a work-study job that coordinates with your CS degree. For example, you could help work with the university's computer systems. This will give you a head start on your career path.

What Are Good Careers for Computer Science Graduates?

Many excellent computer science jobs are available for those with a computer science degree. Some examples of computer science careers include:

• computer programmer
• computer scientist
• cybersecurity specialist
• database administrator
• information security analyst
• machine learning engineer
• software developer
• web developer

Many computer science degrees offer specializations or let you choose elective coursework so you can tailor your degree toward your career goals.