In today’s world, everything runs on computers. From the smallest local business vendors to the most expansive global corporation tycoons, everyone depends on a reliable, user-friendly computer system to keep track of their operations. That’s why it makes sense that, within the field of computer science, employment is expected to increase by over 23% within the next ten years.
If you would consider yourself to be pretty tech-friendly and/or adept with some coding, you may want to consider a career in computer science. More specifically, you could pursue a cheap associates degree online in any number of computer specialties, including database administration, computer information research, web development, information security and analysis, and so much more.
If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of online associate’s degree programs out there, look no further. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most affordable online college computer science associate’s programs in the nation. These schools offer some of the most highly-rated, fully-comprehensive online college curricula in the field, and they do so with the help of first-rate faculties through convenient online formats. Whether your goal is to advance toward a higher-level degree or dive right into the workforce, this list will help you figure out where you need to start in order to get where you ultimately want to go.
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online computer science degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.2024 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Computer Science
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana | $2,455 |
| #2 | Ulster County Community College | $2,640 |
| #3 | Broward College | $2,830 |
| #4 | Western Nebraska Community College | $2,976 |
| #5 | Lone Star College System | $3,090 |
| #6 | Metropolitan Community College | $3,195 |
| #7 | Cowley County Community College | $3,750 |
| #8 | Stark State College | $4,310 |
| #9 | South Texas College | $4,530 |
| #10 | Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | $4,860 |
| #11 | Lake Superior College | $5,616 |
| #12 | Onondaga Community College | $5,754 |
| #13 | Weber State University | $6,228 |
| #14 | Jamestown Community College | $6,350 |
| #15 | Vincennes University | $6,449 |
| #16 | Flint Hills Technical College | $6,520 |
| #17 | Georgia Military College | $6,750 |
| #18 | Gogebic Community College | $6,999 |
| #19 | The Community College of Baltimore County | $7,474 |
| #20 | SUNY Empire State College | $7,630 |
| #21 | Grantham University | $8,280 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Associate Degrees in Computer Science
1. Ivy Tech Community College – Central Indiana
Average Net Price: $2,455
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Ivy Tech Community College – Central Indiana is a public community college that started educating students in 1963. It is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and possesses a student body of about 63,809. This community college provides interested students with an online Associate of Science (A.S.) in Computer Science degree. The goal of this 60-credit program is to teach students about computers, algorithms, computing, databases, cyber security, information technology support, software development, and network infrastructure. The following are a few of the courses that must be completed to graduate with the computer science associate degree at this school: Computer Science, Discrete Logic for Computers, Data Structures, Database Systems, Informatics Fundamentals, Computing Logic, Software Development, and more. Students can expect to spend around two years in the degree program.
2. Ulster County Community College
Average Net Price: $2,640
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: MSCHE
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Ulster County Community College is a public community college that was established in 1961. It is located in Stone Ridge, New York and is comprised of 3,089 students. This community college provides interested individuals with an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Computer Science degree, which is completely online. The online associate degree program consists of 62 credit hours and is usually completed within two years. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to apply their knowledge and skills to become successful JAVA programmers. A few of the skills that they will gain during the program are business, technical, and critical thinking skills as well as advanced skills in computing. Some of the courses that students will be required to enroll in to successfully complete the computer science associate degree online at Ulster County Community College are Computer Science, Computer Architecture and Organization, Theory & Practice of Object-Oriented Programming, Information Literacy, and more.
3. Broward College
Average Net Price: $2,830
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Broward College Online offers two Associate Degrees in Computer Science:
- Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology (AS-CIT)
- Associate of Science in Software Development (AS-SD)
The AS-CIT degree is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of information technology, including computer programming, database administration, and network administration. The AS-SD degree is designed to prepare students for careers in software development, web development, and mobile app development.
Both degrees are offered fully online, so students can complete them at their own pace and on their own schedule. Students will learn from experienced faculty and use the latest software and technologies.
Here are some of the courses that students can expect to take in the Broward College Online Associate Degrees in Computer Science:
- Programming Languages (Java, Python, C++)
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Management Systems
- Computer Networks
- Web Development
- Software Engineering
- Operating Systems
- Computer Systems Architecture
Upon completion of either degree, students will be eligible for entry-level positions in the field of computer science. They may also choose to continue their education and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.
4. Western Nebraska Community College
Average Net Price: $2,976
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Western Nebraska Community College is a public community college that began teaching students in 1926. It is located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and is made up of 1,625 students. This community college has an online associate degree in computer science that will equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, methods, and techniques to use when dealing with technology and computers. Each student will also learn the fundamentals of programming, algorithmic designs, operating systems, and programming languages. One of the unique features of this program is that it offers students the chance to join a NASA fellowship in which they will be taught information on robotics, aircraft, drones, and other important technological devices. The following are several of the courses that students admitted to the online associate in computer science program at Western Nebraska Community College will be required to take: Microcomputer Applications, Database, Introduction to Computer Science, IT Technical Support, Computer Science, Networking Essentials, Introduction to Robotics, SQL Database Design and Management, and more. Upon graduation, students will have earned 64 credit hours, which generally takes about two years.
5. Lone Star College System
Average Net Price: $3,090
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Lone Star College System presents an online Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science degree, tailored to equip students for seamless progression to a four-year university and the attainment of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields.
This AS in Computer Science program at Lone Star College System delves into an extensive array of subjects, immersing students in:
- Programming languages (C++, Java, Python, etc.)
- Data structures and algorithms
- Software engineering
- Computer architecture
- Networking
- Databases
- Operating systems
Students in the program will also have the opportunity to complete elective courses in specific areas of computer science, such as web development, mobile app development, and artificial intelligence.
The AS in Computer Science degree program at Lone Star College System is fully online, so students can take classes at their own convenience. The program typically takes two years to complete, but students can accelerate their studies by taking summer courses.
To be eligible for admission to the AS in Computer Science degree program at Lone Star College System, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must also complete the college’s placement exams in mathematics and English.
Upon graduation from the AS in Computer Science degree program at Lone Star College System, students will be well-prepared to transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Students who choose not to transfer to a four-year university may also be able to find entry-level jobs in the computer science industry.
6. Metropolitan Community College
Average Net Price: $3,195
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Metropolitan Community College is a public community college that opened in 1915. It is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and has a student body of 13,085. This community college features an online Associate in Computer Science (A.C.S.) degree that is designed to encourage students to go on to a four-year college and pursue a B.S. or B.A. degree in Computer Science. Some of the valuable skills that students who are enrolled in the computer science associate degree program at Metropolitan Community College will learn are computer programming, database management, and network design. The following are several of the courses that students will be able to take throughout the online associate degree programs: Programming Fundamentals, Object-Oriented Programming, Database Design and Management, Introduction to Computer Architecture, Advanced Web Development, Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, Discrete Structures for Computer Science, and more.
7. Cowley County Community College
Average Net Price: $3,750
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Cowley County Community College and Vocational-Technical School, also known as Cowley College for short, has served the Cowley community since 1922 through education, outreach, and charity work. After 30 years of operating in the basement of a local high school, the college finally obtained the rights to construct its own building which was constructed in 1950 and has continued its growth ever since. Now, as a well-established staple of the community, Cowley offers degrees and certificates in 14 different subjects, including three options in the field of computer science. With a well-equipped computer science faculty and an 18-1 student-faculty ratio, Cowley County Community College stands ready and excited to help you succeed.
8. Stark State College
Average Net Price: $4,310
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Stark State College is a public college that opened its doors in 1960. It is located in North Canton, Ohio and has an undergraduate population of 10,772. This college features an online Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Computer Science and Engineering degree. The objective of this program is to educate individuals to become successful in the computer and technology field. Graduates of this online associate degree program will know how to operate, design, and solve any issues when it comes to computers and software systems. Before graduating, students enrolled in the associate degree computer science program will be required to pass the following courses: Java Programming, C++ Programming, Net Programming, Structure Query Language, Programming Logic and Problem Solving, Data Modeling and Database Design, Fundamentals of Information Systems, Internet Design and Development, and more.
9. South Texas College
Average Net Price: $4,530
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
South Texas College is a public community college that was founded in 1993. It is located in McAllen, Texas and consists of 28,233 students. This community college offers an online associate degree in computer science in which students will be taught how to create and use algorithms to solve issues, develop solutions for programs, and utilize programming methods and techniques to carry out specific tasks. The program consists of 60 credit hours, which will typically take students two years to complete. A few of the online associate’s degree courses that students are required to pass to be cleared for graduation are Programming Fundamentals, Computer Organization, Introduction to Computing, Introduction to Computer Programming, Computer Programming, and more.
10. Wallace State Community College – Hanceville
Average Net Price: $4,860
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Wallace State Community College – Hanceville is a public community college that was established in 1966. It is located in Hanceville, Alabama and possesses a student population of around 4,763. This community college possesses an online Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Computer Science degree in which students are properly prepared to enter the computer information technology industry or go on to pursue a four-year degree in computer science or a similar program. Students who enroll in this program will have four different specializations to choose from, which are cyber security/computer forensic technology, software support, internet/networking technology, and programming. Each option will focus on a small business computer environment in hopes of equipping students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a computer science career in a small business environment. The mandatory courses in Wallace State Community College’s computer science associate degree online program are IT Fundamentals, Introduction to Computer Logic and Programming, Network Communication, Microcomputer Operating Systems, C++ Programming, Microcomputer Applications, Introduction to App Development, Visual Basic Programming, Database Management Systems, Web Development, and more.
References:
https://ms.southtexascollege.edu/computerscience/index.html
http://catalog.sunyulster.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=424&returnto=188
https://www.wncc.edu/academics/programs-of-study/computer-sciences
https://www.ivytech.edu/computer-science/index.html
http://catalog.sunyocc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=219&returnto=91
https://www.wallacestate.edu/programs/academic-division/computer-science