The 10 Best Online Computer Science Programs in 2024

Almost everybody I know is involved in tech in one way or another. Whether it’s managing websites and social media accounts, creating code for the backend of a conglomerate, or using generative artificial intelligence (gen-AI) as a research tool, the world of tech bleeds into so many aspects of our daily lives.

All these are examples of computer science — an extremely versatile industry, which may explain why the field may grow 15% between 2021 and 2031, with approximately 683,000 new jobs — which is three times faster than the national average for all occupations!

If you’re one of the thousands interested in pursuing a career in the world of computer science, then I’ve got you covered with the 10 best computer science programs in the US. Let’s dive in.

The University of Phoenix is a private for-profit university with chapters across the US, although it is in Phoenix. Chances are you’ve seen the University of Phoenix commercials on TV over the years — if so, that’s because it’s one of the most versatile universities for online certifications and degrees, including Computer Science. You can take classes at your own pace, with the option to take one five-week course at a time, so it’s easy to keep up with any other obligations.

Onto its accreditations: The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the International Council of eCommerce Consultants (EC-Council), ensuring the university stays current on the latest computer science trends and skills. The university also received the Academic Circle of Excellence Award for the third consecutive year for its contributions to secure computing and ethical hacking.

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Headquartered in Phoenix, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private nonprofit Christian university once named the world’s largest Christian university. It’s on our list for several reasons; one is that it has a broad range of programs from certifications to doctoral degrees in technology programs, including Computer Science, Software Development, and Cybersecurity.

Another reason GCU is on our list is because of its flexible learning options, no out-of-state tuition fees, and HLC accreditation. Some of the university’s bachelor programs are also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CSAB) of ABET to guarantee the quality of the programs. So whether you’re interested in a certification or a degree, GCU is an excellent place to start.

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Campbell University is a private Christian university in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Its online programs, or Campbell Adult and Online Education (AOE), prioritize meeting the needs of working professionals and military students who have other obligations by offering flexible learning options. Courses are typically delivered in accelerated eight-week terms and help students prepare for information security and technology management careers.

Campbell University has programs and financial assistance specifically designed for service members and is listed in the Top 100 of U.S. News’ Best Online Bachelor Programs. Campbell University holds the highest level of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) — making it one of just three private universities in the state, including Duke University, with this status.

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Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. Its curriculum focuses on teaching from a Christian perspective and offers more than a dozen areas of study in the Computer Science field. Choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees varying from cybersecurity to game design in an eight-week format and eight start dates per year so you can make arrangements around your schedule.

Although Liberty University’s students are primarily online, they still have access to on-campus benefits, like NCAA Division I games and Convocation events with speakers worldwide. Liberty University also accepts up to 75% of transferred credits for bachelor’s degrees and 50% for higher degrees. Depending on specific career or military experience, some students may be allowed to jump-start their degrees.

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Concordia University St. Paul (CSP), a private Christian university in Minnesota, offers a prestigious bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. While its cost per course hour is higher than average, CSP provides several financial aid options, including federal and state aid, work-study programs, and partnership scholarships, such as church vocation scholarships for undergraduate church work program students.

CSP’s tech degrees aim to prepare students for web design, software development, cybersecurity, and user experience (UX) optimization careers. Students can also choose elective courses in relevant areas, like mobile app development or advanced web app development. Accredited by the HLC, CSP upholds rigorous educational standards, and programs are completed in accelerated eight-week terms.

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Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is a public university that calls La Grande, Oregon, its home. But its online programs are just as versatile and offer the lowest cost per credit hour on this list. EOU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

With its low tuition, you can choose a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science. (The BA route has a foreign language requirement, whereas the BS requires 12 additional science credits.) EOU offers a generous transfer credit policy and a free transfer equivalency tool. The credit policy allows up to 135 credits from previous college coursework so you can accelerate your progress toward degree completion.

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Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private, non-sectarian university in Wilmington Manor, Delaware, proudly holding the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation. Its Computer Science degree prepares students for roles in IT consultancy, information systems management, or database administration. WilmU’s online courses are diverse and flexible, and best of all, It’s among the least expensive costs per credit hour on this list, making it a perfect choice for those on a budget without compromising on quality.

More specifically, WilmU offers two online courses: Regular and live. Its regular courses are self-paced, and communication is done via email, chat, and discussion boards. Its online-live courses are scheduled, interactive synchronous sessions, making it perfect for those who do better in a classroom setting. You can attend either semester courses or block courses. Semester courses consist of 14 meetings over 15 weeks, while block classes are condensed into seven weeks, offering an accelerated version.

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Franklin University is a private university in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1902 with one goal: to serve students beyond the age of typical undergraduates. Today, Franklin University offers a plethora of Computer Science and other technology programs, so there’s no doubt you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Franklin University’s BS in Computer Science degree focuses on software development and adaptable skills for high-demand roles as a computer programmer, database administrator, or software engineer. Its online degrees and certifications are also flexible, with the option to transfer credits from other schools. Interestingly, Franklin University also offers Microcredentials — short courses or certifications designed to improve marketability.

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Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island, is ranked as one of the Top 100 U.S. News Best Colleges in the Regional Universities North, and another campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. JWU is a private university that offers eight-week courses accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) since 1993 across its campuses and its College of Professional Studies (CPS).

JWU aims to familiarize Computer Science students with software programming, networking, system design, and project management. Its online program is flexible, offering four start dates each year with a close-knit student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. Students in the BS of Computer Science program will also take Problem-Solving, Computer Science I & II, Advanced Data Structures, Survey of Programming Languages, and Information Security.

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The City University of Seattle (CityU) in Seattle is a private, nonprofit university that offers partnerships and opportunities for national and international students. As a result, CityU has been recognized as a Top 10 educator for adults for the past decade. U.S. News & World Report also named this small yet mighty school the best online program.

It’s also safe to say that CityU is one of the best online programs you can go to for cybersecurity training, with several impressive accreditations. Not only is CityU’s School of Technology and Computing (STC) an ABET-accredited program, but the school is also the recipient of the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (NCAE-C) by both the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

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Navigating through school can be challenging, especially when balancing responsibilities like family and work. But whether you’re embarking on a new career journey or returning after a hiatus, I want to offer some encouragement: While there may be moments when you feel like hiding under your covers and never coming out, pushing yourself to try new and challenging things is crucial for personal growth. And, honestly, what better way to do it than in a field projected to skyrocket over the next few years?