Computers have been part of our reality for a few decades now, and computer skills requirements have steadily crept into all kinds of non-technical jobs.
Maybe you’re already part of the IT field, with an undergrad degree in computer science (CS) and some work experience under your belt. Or you have a bachelor’s degree in another field and an interest in a computer-related career.
Either way, you’re aware of the fact that computer-related skills can go a long way towards an interesting career solving all kinds of problems, with a relatively good salary as well. This is especially true if you have the broad knowledge of a master’s degree in computer science. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has even reported a 30% increase in relevant job opportunities between 2008 and 2018, inclusive, as well as a higher-than-average 18% increase from present through 2025.
If you’re looking for an affordable online master’s degree in computer science, this list gives 25 of the most affordable such programs in the country (based on data from NCES). Some of these programs accept students with a non-computer-science bachelor’s degree on the condition that they complete some prerequisite undergrad CS courses. Some programs also have graduate-level COOP work experiences. Methodology for this ranking is presented at the end of the article.
Potential careers for graduates of a master’s degree in computer science degree include:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Communications Analyst
- Computational Scientist
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Computer Network Analyst
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary
- Computer Software Engineers (Applications or Systems Software)
- Computer Specialist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Database Designer
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Technology Specialist
- IT Operations Analyst
- IT Security Administrator
- Mobile Specialist
- Multimedia Analyst
- Network Architect
- Network Engineer
- Senior Designer
- Senior Programmer
- Senior Software Engineer
- Senior Tech Specialist
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Software Systems Developer
- Storage Architect
- Systems Programmer
- Telecommunications Analyst
- Web Administrator
- Web Developer
25 Most Affordable Colleges with Online Computer Science Degrees
Monterey, California
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS, est. 1909) is a public military college focused entirely on graduate programs. Admission is extremely competitive, with very limited enrollment numbers. Graduate students who do get admitted receive free tuition and pay no fees, but may be required to a service duration. Notable NPS alumni include many astronauts, military personal, microcomputer pioneers (e.g., Gordon Eubanks), to name a few fields.
NPS offers master’s and doctoral programs (degrees and certificates) collectively in over 70 fields of study (over 75 programs. Typical students include personnel from the Armed Forces and DOD (Dept. of Defense) civilians. There is one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS). The program requires a minimum of 40 quarter credits and offers the choice between a thesis or a capstone project. Students further have a choice of six specializations: Cyber Security and Defense; Network and Mobility; Autonomous Systems and Data Science; Software Engineering; Cyber Operations; CS-MOVES Option. Some topics and skills covered include computer system design, data processing, embedded systems, design methodologies.
- In-state: $0 tuition +$0 fees
- Out-of-state: $0 tuition +$0 fees
- #students: 2682
- #grads: 2682
- Distance ed: 45%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Americus, Georgia
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW, est. 1906) is a public university and a member of the University System of Georgia. It enjoys the status of a “best value small college,” with earned rankings for its online programs. Notable GSW alumni include former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his sister Gloria Carter Spann, and his wife Rosalynn Carter.
GSW offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as certificate programs — over 50 in total. Relevant programs include the online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), offered by the Department of Computer Science within the School of Computing and Mathematics. The program claims to offer state-of-the-art technology and, Thanks to partnerships with companies such as IBM, Microsoft and VMWARE, the latest software. Students must complete 30 credit hours, which consists of six required courses and four electives. A thesis option is available, and requires Graduate Advisor approval ahead of starting the program. The program is designed with full-time working students in mind, with courses delivered online through GeorgiaVIEW.
- In-state: $3,420 tuition +$1,376 fees
- Out-of-state: $13,590 tuition +$1,376 fees
- #students: 2954
- #grads: 396
- Distance ed: 98%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Carrollton, Georgia
The University of West Georgia (UWG, est. 1906) is public university — in the top six publics statewide, for size. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) recognized UWG in its 2018 Best Colleges report, while Princeton Review awarded it as a Best Regional College, also in 2018. USNWR also ranked UWG for Best Online Graduate Computer and Information Technology program, amongst other grad topics, and for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
UWG has nearly 90 degree programs, from bachelor’s to doctorate level, specialist programs, and certificate programs. Its College of Science and Mathematics offers one relevant program: and online MS in Applied Computer Science (MS-ACS). Students will complete 36 credit hours over a minimum 24-month duration. Courses include two projects (3- and 6-credits), for a total curriculum of 11 courses. The program does not accept any transfer credits, but admits qualified students “holding a bachelor degree in any discipline,” assuming they have suitable knowledge to complete the MS-ACS. Curriculum topics include database systems, networks, software development, Web technology, etc. Courses are delivered online either asynchronously or synchronously. Students work individually, with some online group meetings.
- In-state: $4,086 tuition +$1,962 fees
- Out-of-state: $15,876 tuition +$1,962 fees
- #students: 13308
- #grads: 2153
- Distance ed: 80%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Greenville, North Carolina
East Carolina University (ECU, est. 1907) is a public university with a strong enrollment in STEM programs (over 40% of students in Fall 2016). It serves students on one campus plus online. The university has earned rankings for its academic offering from: Washington Monthly (America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges – Southeast); Princeton Review (Best Southeastern Colleges 2017, plus topical rankings); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – Top Public Schools, National Universities, Public National Universities); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2017 – Gold, Spouse Friendly School).
ECU offers bachelor’s through doctoral level degrees — over 175 degree programs alone — plus 80+ certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), offered by the Department of Computer Science, within the College of Engineering and Technology. The program requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits, with a choice of thesis or project overseen by a faculty member. The MSCS provides the skills for graduates to either work in the private sector or teach CS at the undergrad level. While courses are online, the program requires on-campus attendance of five or more research seminars, as well as presenting one seminar. Topics covered include software analysis, design and testing; hardware construction; programming languages; operating systems; databases and more. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related topic, or with some CS experience regardless of bachelor’s degree. Students may also be able take supplemental CS courses to qualify for admission. Potential careers include software engineering, system architecting, web development, amongst others.
- In-state: $4,749 tuition +$2,521 fees
- Out-of-state: $17,898 tuition +$2,521 fees
- #students: 28962
- #grads: 5993
- Distance ed: 66%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Statesboro, Georgia
Georgia Southern University (GSU, est. 1906) is a public member of the University System of Georgia serving students on three campuses plus online. GSW has earned rankings from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Programs; Best Colleges 2017 – top 100 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs, and other topical rankings); Princeton Review (Guide to Green Colleges 2017); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Military Times (Best: Colleges 2018); Newsweek and many more.
GSU offers bachelor’s through doctoral level degrees (over 140 in total), plus certificate programs. It offers two relevant programs: an online Master of Computer Science (MCS) and an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), both through the Department of Computer Sciences. U.S. News & World Report ranked the MCS graduate program (2017, #21) in three categories, including: student services and technology (top 25); teaching practices and student engagement (top 10); admissions selectivity (top five). This MCS requires 30 credits (minimum 5-semester/ 2-year timeline), has a focus on data mining and data warehousing, and has a concentration in data and knowledge systems (the only one statewide, and a rarity nationally). Subtopics include “speech and vision recognition systems, expert systems, data storage systems, and information retrieval systems, such as online search engines.” Students applying for admission who have a non-computer bachelor’s degree may be admitted upon completion of specific online courses. The MSCS also requires 30 credits and is aimed at those already working in the broad information technology field, or current undergrad students considering a graduate degree. Like the MCS, the MSCS also has a focus on data mining and data warehousing.
- In-state: $6,636 tuition +$2,092 fees
- Out-of-state: $26,518 tuition +$2,092 fees
- #students: 20673
- #grads: 2668
- Distance ed: 59%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Moscow, Idaho
University of Idaho (UI, est. 1889) is a public university that serves students on campuses/ educational centers in four locations, plus over 40 county extension offices, and online. UI has earned rankings or recognition from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2017 – #90 Best Public Universities, #171 Best National Universities); Washington Monthly (Top National Universities 2015 – #61); Princeton Review (Best Colleges; Environmentally Responsible Colleges); Kiplinger’s (100 Best Values in Public Colleges); Forbes (Top National Research Universities); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Notable UI alumni include: former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin; science fiction author E.E. “Doc” Smith; co-creator of the Frontline TV series, Michael Kirk.
UI offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees (over 300 in total, from 90+ undergrad and nearly 70 grad majors), plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS). Students have a choie of thesis or non-thesis options, each of which requires 30 credits or more for completion. Non-thesis students will take a comprehensive exam. Thesis students will present their work publicly. Some areas of study that MSCS students at UI might pursue include: computer security, software engineering, evolutionary algorithms and artificial intelligence, fault tolerant computing.
- In-state: $6,722 tuition +$2,142 fees
- Out-of-state: $23,046 tuition +$2,142 fees
- #students: 11780
- #grads: 2194
- Distance ed: 38%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Frostburg, Maryland
Frostburg State University (FSU, est. 1898) is a public university that started as a State Normal School and is now part of the University System of Maryland. It has a diverse student population, with 44% of undergrads classified in a minority group. FSU has earned rankings and recognition from: MONEY magazine (Best Value Colleges 2017); U.S. News and World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – Best Online Programs bachelor’s and master’s topical); Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (2016 Public Institution of the Year); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. As well, College Scorecard data (from U.S. Dept. of Education) was used by two organizations to rank FSU on value: The Economist (#100 value-added amongst four-year non-vocational colleges/ universities – College Scorecard data); Brookings Institute (top 25 four-year colleges/ universities for value). Notable FSU alumni include actress Debra Monk (Law and Order, Gray’s Anatomy) and writer/ producer Gregory Thomas Garcia (My Name is Earl; Yes, Dear).
FSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees — over 60 in total. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (MS-ACS). Students have a choice of general concentration or a database concentration. The former covers a broader range of topics, including: “computer networking and communications, software engineering, artificial intelligence, web design.” Choose between a thesis or an elective course. The experience and skills gained in this MS helps in solving problems that might be encountered both in business and government. Students with no computer science experience may qualify for admission by taking two intro grad courses. Such students have a minimum timeline of 1.5 years, while undergrad FSU students with a computer science background can shorten their timeline to a one year minimum. The program can also be taken part-time, on a longer timeline. Graduates of this program have found employment at government agencies and private companies such as: FBI, Boeing, NASA, Google, Lockheed Martin, Apple, IBM, NSA (National Security Agency).
- In-state: $7,434 tuition +$2,448 fees
- Out-of-state: $9,558 tuition +$2,448 fees
- #students: 5676
- #grads: 792
- Distance ed: 60%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University (Purdue, est. 1869) is a public university with a reputation for extensive research work (with over 400 research labs), and is particularly noted for its STEM academic offerings. Purdue has earned extensive recognition, including from: Princeton Review (#11 best alumni networks; #19 career services; Best Value University); Wall Street Journal (#4 career readiness); Business Insider (#30 for high starting salaries); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Best Online Graduate Education Programs, plus topical rankings). It has an immense list of notable alumni from diverse backgrounds, including: Ian Murdock, who founded the Debian flavor of the Linux computer operating system; Neil Armstrong, the astronaut who took the historic first walk on the moon, and Gus Grissom, who was second in space (amongst nearly two dozen Purdue astronaut alumni); popcorn entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher; Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist Booth Tarkington. Notable faculty include famed aviator Amelia Earheart.
Purdue offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three relevant degrees: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS, general or Security specialization), offered by the Department of Computer Science, or alternately earned as an Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE or MS) with a Computer Science concentration. Courses are offered online in an asynchronous, allowing for greater flexibility for students with other commitments. Students can choose between a thesis (8 courses) or non-thesis (10 courses) option. Purdue indicates that most of their MSCS/ MSE/ MS grad students take one course at a time, allowing them to retain work or satisfy other time commitments.
- In-state: $9,208 tuition +$784 fees
- Out-of-state: $28,010 tuition +$784 fees
- #students: 41513
- #grads: 10408
- Distance ed: 21%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NCSU, est. 1887) is a member of the public North Carolina State University System and the largest university in the state. NCSU students have earned scholarships such as Goldwater, Truman, Churchill and Fulbright (#5 2017-2018), as well as National Science Foundation graduate fellowships. Nearly a dozen graduate programs each rank in the top 30. The university has been issued over 950 patents in the U.S., and almost 2000 worldwide. Other recognition includes that from: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Best Value In-State Publics; Best Value Out-of-State Publics; plus topical rankings); Princeton Review (online graduate topical rankings, including a #4); Money magazine (#1 for ROI in the state); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – #4 online graduate computer and IT programs; #5 best value publics); Forbes (#20 nationally for STEM colleges); Financial Times and others. The city of Raleigh also rankings highly in several categories by Forbes, Time magazine and U.S. News & World Report. Notable NCSU alumni include: Jim Goodnight (SAS Institute analytics software company founder); Internet entertainment duo Rhett and Link (Rhett James McLaughlin, Charles Lincoln Neal III), hosts of the YouTube channel Good Mythical Morning and others.
NCSU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — including over 90 offered through online or distance education. It offers one relevant program: an online Master of Computer Science (MCS-DE), which is a 31-credit professional degree, so not typically for students planning on doctoral studies. There is no thesis, no comprehensive exam, no on-campus residency requirement, and typical workload is one or two courses per semester. Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree, with some undergrad computer science course work. Courses are delivered via the Internet in streaming video format, and taught by professors with industry experience. The program consists of three core courses, seven electives, and a 1-credit orientation course. NCSU also offers an Accelerated Bachelors-Masters (ABM) dual degree option, for undergrads who have completed at least 75 credits, amongst other requirements.
- In-state: $8,492 tuition +$2,535 fees
- Out-of-state: $23,967 tuition +$2,535 fees
- #students: 33755
- #grads: 9928
- Distance ed: 31%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Rolla, Missouri
Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST, est. 1870) is a public university and part of the University of Missouri System. MST has received recognition and rankings from several sources, particularly for ROI (return on investment) and related metrics, including: PayScale.com for annual ROI (#8, 2017); Newsweek (Best Investment publics, out of state students); Brookings Institution (#2 value-added publics); Kiplinger’s (Best College Values, measured by salary); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – Online Graduate Programs – 15 topical rankings, including in the computer information technology category). Jack Dorsey, cofounder of the popular social media site Twitter, is one of many notable alumni.
MST offers nearly 100 degrees (bachelor’s through doctorate level) — in nearly 40 study areas — plus certificate programs. It has one relevant degree: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), with two choices for emphasis areas – software engineering or critical infrastructure protection (multi-disciplinary). Students will complete 31 credits and can choose between a non-thesis or a thesis option. The latter requires 25 credits of course work plus 6-9 credits of research. Both tracks include a 1-credit grad seminar. Courses are offered online through streaming video, with student interaction via telephone. (Videos are also archived for later viewing.) For thesis/ research options, students may be interested in working with a faculty member, whose interests include: “distributed/embedded computing, security, algorithms and complexity, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software quality, formal methods, internet computing, database systems, graphical user interfaces, parallel computing, wireless computing.”
- In-state: $9,854 tuition +$1,284 fees
- Out-of-state: $28,951 tuition +$1,284 fees
- #students: 8835
- #grads: 1929
- Distance ed: 38%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Springfield, Illinois
University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS, est. 1969) is a member of the public University of Illinois System. Nearly 30% of the college-educated workforce in town are UIS grads. UIS has earned numerous rankings, including from U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs 2018 – Bachelor’s, Veterans Bachelor’s; Best Colleges – top 15 public regional universities Midwest for multiple years; plus topical rankings). UIS notable alumni include Pulitzer-Prize-winning report/ editor Mitch Pugh and movie producer Russell Smith. Singer Bobby McFerrin attended UIS but did not finish.
UIS offers bachelor’s to doctorate level degrees — over 50 in total — plus certificate programs, with Computer Science being one of the top six undergrad programs by enrollment. There is one relevant degree: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), through the Department of Computer Science. This program consists of eight courses totalling 32 credits, including a Graduate Research Seminar. Besides the seminar course, four more courses must be at the 500 level, while three can be at the 400 (4th year) level or higher. The main focus of curriculum is on software, including topics such as “design, analysis, and implementation of software programs.”
- In-state: $8,772 tuition +$2,536 fees
- Out-of-state: $15,857 tuition +$2,536 fees
- #students: 5428
- #grads: 2469
- Distance ed: 67%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Boulder, Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder (CU, est. 1876) is a public university and part of the University of Colorado System. The university is research heavy, and has filed for or been awarded nearly 1,300 patents (since 2006). It is also the #1 public recipient of NASA research awards, and has had over 50 PhD-level Fulbright Scholars since 2000. At 87%, it has a high first-year undergrad retention rate, and over 90% of undergrads who graduate find employment, enter grad school or enlist in military service within six months. Additional rankings/ recognition: U.S. News (Best Grad Schools 2018 – Engineering/ Computer Engineering; plus top-10 topical national rankings in 2017); Forbes (topical rankings).
CU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees. It has three relevant programs: a choice of Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Science (MS) or Professional MS in Computer Science — all online. The MS options are thesis (24 credits plus 4-6 thesis credits) or non-thesis (24 credits plus six independent study credits), and is a General track, while the Professional MS has no thesis. The ME has a dual-degree option with a second ME in Engineering Management. Note: the ME has no residency requirement while the MS does.
- In-state: $11,160 tuition +$1,838 fees
- Out-of-state: $29,502 tuition +$1,838 fees
- #students: 33977
- #grads: 6076
- Distance ed: 7%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Romeoville, Illinois
Lewis University (LU, est. 1932) is a private, nonprofit Roman Catholic institution, with a mission that includes “protecting human rights and advancing social justice”. It serves students on four campuses plus online. Accolades/ rankings for LU include: Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest 2017, and other years); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – top tier university, top 25 Regional University Midwest); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Military Times (#1 Best Private School for Vets statewide); U.S. Veterans Magazine (2016 Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly School). LU notable alumni include: Chaka Khan (Yvette Marie Stevens), a multiple award winning singer/ performer.
LU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees — nearly 120 degree programs — plus certificate programs. One relevant program is available: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS). Students have a choice of three concentrations: Cyber Security; Intelligent Systems; Software Engineering. Courses are online, asynchronous, and run in eight-week sessions and are designed with working students in mind. Topics covered include: programming; Web development; penetration testing/ cyber security controls; distributed computing; and computer networking, amongst others.
- In-state: $14,310 tuition +$150 fees
- Out-of-state: $14,310 tuition +$150 fees
- #students: 6544
- #grads: 1991
- Distance ed: 48%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
La Jolla, California
National University (NU, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students at 20+ locations in California and Nevada, plus online. Founded by a retired Navy Lieutenant, NU has had online classes for over 20 years, with an emphasis on serving adult learners — for which they received a top 20 ranking from Washington Monthly. Money Magazine also ranked NU in their Best Colleges report.
NU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees — over 100 in total — plus certificate programs. It offers one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree. Courses run in a 4-week format. Topics covered include “software engineering, database theory and design, and cloud computing.” Specialization options include: Advanced Computing; Software Engineering; and Database Engineering. Completion of the degree requires a minimum of 67.5 quarter credits (15 courses). Two graduate project courses are part of the curriculum. Students learn skills necessary to solve complex computing problems, as well as communication skills to interact with both technical and non-technical people.
- In-state: $14,976 tuition +$0 fees
- Out-of-state: $14,976 tuition +$0 fees
- #students: 17192
- #grads: 8873
- Distance ed: 82%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Seattle, Washington
City University of Seattle (CityU, est. 1973) is a private nonprofit institution and a member of the National University System. It serves students at over 20 locations in Northwestern USA and seven other countries worldwide, plus online. Recognition for CityU includes that from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; plus other years); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2018 Bronze). Notable CityU alumni include BoDog Entertainment Group (online gambling) founder and billionaire, Calvin Ayre.
CityU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree. The program requires between 39 and 59 credits foor completion, which takes a minimum two years. The curriculum is designed by software professionals with a minimum 15 years experience and builds theoretical and business knowledge. Topics include: software engineering and testing, information security, management of technology projects, amongst others. Applicants with no previous computer experience may qualify for admission to CityU’s Bridge-MSCS program.
- In-state: $15,264 tuition +$0 fees
- Out-of-state: $15,264 tuition +$0 fees
- #students: 1874
- #grads: 1149
- Distance ed: 43%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology (GT, est. 1885) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It is recognized as a top research university, has a top 12 “world-changing” business incubators (as per Forbes magazine), and is #32 worldwide for being granted U.S. Utility patents. It has earned rankings both nationally and globally, including from U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – #7 publics, #7 most innovative, and #8 Graduate Computer Science Schools – tied with Princeton University, plus rankings for four computer science specializations; #71 publics globally). PayScale.com ranked GT #1 for in-state ROI (return on investment), while Diverse Magazine recognized GT in its “Producers of Minority Degrees” report.
GT offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees. It offers one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science degree (OMSCS). This program is a collaboration with AT&T and online education platform Udacity, and a first for accredited MSCS programs nationally in that courses are completely offered as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). The curriculum consists of ten 3-credit courses, and offers a choice of four specializations: Computational Perception and Robotics; Computing Systems; Interactive Intelligence; Machine Learning. (Note: this program may be as low as $7K per academic year. Check with admissions.)
- In-state: $13,788 tuition +$2,010 fees
- Out-of-state: $28,568 tuition +$2,010 fees
- #students: 26839
- #grads: 11350
- Distance ed: 39%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Columbus, Ohio
Franklin University (Franklin, est. 1902) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students at campuses and regional locations in five states, plus online. The university has an emphasis in their academic programs for adult learners, and has been recognized as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, and as a Top Performer (2017) by Military Advanced Education magazine. The IIE (Institute of International Education) designated Franklin as a runner up in their Andrew Heiskell Awards for Innovation in International Education (2014).
Franklin offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree. This is a 40-credit program that is expected to take at least 20 months (five trimesters). The curriculum covers the skills and knowledge that graduates will need to architect and integrate software systems, and a broad understanding of relevant hardware, as well as how to interact with project stakeholders in various parts of an organization. Other skill areas covered include algorithm analysis, database and project management, software testing and more. The program can be tailored to each student’s interest. Electives include a choice of Internship, artificial intelligence, computer security, independent studies and more. The 100% online courses are taught by experienced professionals.
- In-state: $15,816 tuition +$0 fees
- Out-of-state: $15,816 tuition +$0 fees
- #students: 5006
- #grads: 1085
- Distance ed: 72%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Champaign, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC, est. 1867) is a member of the public University of Illinois System. It is a highly-regarded institution with a long list of accomplishments, including: dozens each of earned Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes; the creation of the first graphical Web browser; a #1 ranking for NSF funding, for being a “disability friendly” campus, and for being the Most Wired College (PC Magazine). As of 2015, it ranked #5 across the country for earned doctorates, according to the Survey of Earned Doctorates. Pitchbook, Entrepreneur Magazine and Brookings Institute have recognized the university for VC activity and venture capital investments. Supplementing this is recognition of UIUC as a top 25 school for entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur Magazine), and the twin cities of Urbana-Champaign being a Best Startup City (Popular Mechanics magazine). Additional rankings from: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (100 Best Values in Public Colleges 2017); U.S. News & World Report’s (America’s Best Colleges 2018 -#52 nationally, #14 publics, plus several graduate topical rankings, including a #5 for computer science). Numerous computer science alumni of UIUC are either founders or leaders in many top software companies, including NetScape, YouTube, PayPal, Yelp, Match.com, amongst others.
UIUC offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: online Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree, which requires 32 credits and no thesis. The curriculum consists of eight courses, and students choose four core topic areas from several choices, including: computer systems, data mining, machine learning, scientific computing, software engineering, parallel programming. Like Georgia Tech’s OMSCS degree, UIUC’s MCS courses are delivered as MOOCs, but on Coursera rather than Udacity. Courses are supplemented with assignments, projects, etc., from faculty and teaching assistants. Students have an optional track in Data Science (MCS-DS), which UIUC claims is the first MOOC-supported master’s degree in data science. (Note: current tuition for the program may be higher than the reported amount (tuition and fees) in NCES. Coursera MOOC fees also apply, with two such courses for every one course that would be delivered in the on-campus MCS.)
- In-state: $15,186 tuition +$3,038 fees
- Out-of-state: $28,773 tuition +$3,038 fees
- #students: 46951
- #grads: 13019
- Distance ed: 18%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN, est. 1851) is the flagship campus of the public University of Minnesota System. Faculty past and present have collectively won Fellowships such as Guggenheim and MacArthur, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes, while students have earned Fulbright Scholar awards. The university has an active entrepreneurial community, with over 100 startups launched since 2006. It was ranked #4 for patent creation (Scientist magazine), and #8 for research spending (National Science Foundation). In fact, amongst public American universities, ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) ranked UMN #9. UMN earned additional rankings from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Best Global University, Best National University); Center for World University Rankings (top universities worldwide – #35 2018). Notable UMN alumni include: musician/ performer Bob Dylan (who won a Nobel Prize in Literature); storyteller and radio host Garrison Keillor; two U.S. Vice Presidents, Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
UMN offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two relevant program: an online Master of Computer Science (MCS) and an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), through the department of Computer Science and Engineering, within the College of Science and Engineering. The MCS is a terminal professional degree program with no summer semesters, and requires 31 credits. Online courses are delivered through UMN’s UNITE program (engineering, science) in streaming video format, video podcasts, and other Web-based tech. The MSCS has three tracks: Plan A (thesis), Plan B (non-thesis), Plan C (courses, projects). While the MSCS requires 31 credits, Plan A consists of 21 course credits and 10 thesis credits, and requires a written and oral final exam. Plan B has an oral final exam. Plan C has no final exam. Potential areas of focus include: “algorithms and theoretical computer science; numerical, parallel, and high-performance computing; distributed computing and systems; artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer vision; databases and data mining; human-computer interaction and information systems; graphics and visualization; software engineering and programming languages; computer architecture and compilers; networking; bio-informatics and computational biology; and computer security.”
- In-state: $16,728 tuition +$1,504 fees
- Out-of-state: $25,884 tuition +$1,504 fees
- #students: 51579
- #grads: 16709
- Distance ed: 14%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bridgeport, Connecticut
University of Bridgeport (UB, est. 1927) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students at this main campus, a learning center, and online (since 1997). U.S. News & World Report ranked UB in their Best Colleges 2015 report for: Best Online Education Programs and Bachelor’s and Grad Computer Information Technology, including a #13 ranking for the master’s Computer Science program; plus previous years. Notable UB alumni include Subway sandwich chain co-founder Fred DeLuca and NBA player Manute Bol (deceased; tied with Gheorghe Muresan for the tallest in NBA history at 7’7″).
UB offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), through the School of Engineering. The curriculum consists of 100% online courses taught by industry professionals and researchers, and students complete 34 credits for program completion. The program prepares students for either doctoral studies or advanced CS career roles, including various types of analyst and administrator roles, programmer and others, in areas such as networks, systems, databases, Web, telecom, security, etc. Students can choose from over a dozen concentration areas, and dual-degree programs are also available.
- In-state: $15,750 tuition +$2,570 fees
- Out-of-state: $15,750 tuition +$2,570 fees
- #students: 5658
- #grads: 2717
- Distance ed: 27%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Chicago, Illinois
DePaul University (DePaul, est. 1898) is a private nonprofit institution serving students on three campuses and online. While it claims the title of the largest Catholic university, roughly 33% of undergrads are first-generation college students. Students contribute over half a million community service hours each year. DePaul has earned rankings and recognition from many publishers/ organizations, including: Princeton Review (Best 382 Colleges 2018 – Best Midwestern Colleges; #3 Best College Cities in the U.S. 2014); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – 2018 Best National Universities, 2015 Most Innovative Schools; top 10 for internship opportunities, plus topical rankings including computer game design); Forbes (Best Value Colleges 2017); INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award 2014); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2013 top 15%). It has additional topical rankings from several sources, including: Animation Career Review, Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, CEO Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter. Notable DePaul alumni include keyboard player Ray Manzarek of The Doors and composer George Perle (Pulitzer Prize winner).
DePaul offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 300 programs in total. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science. Students have eight areas of study to choose from, with four courses from one area and four courses from any area: Artificial Intelligence; Data Science; Database Systems; Game and Real-Time Systems; Human-Computer Interaction; Software and Systems Development; Software Engineering; Theory. This program requires between 52-76 credits, of which 0-24 are introductory courses as necessary. For electives, students choose from four options: Research Colloquium; Master’s Research; Master’s Thesis; Graduate Internship.
- In-state: $19,344 tuition +$345 fees
- Out-of-state: $19,344 tuition +$345 fees
- #students: 23110
- #grads: 7703
- Distance ed: 25%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Hempstead, New York
Hofstra University (Hofstra, est. 1935) is a private nonprofit institution that has been the site of three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012, and 2016) — the only university in the country with this honor to date. Other recognition for Hofstra comes from: Arbor Day Foundation (Tree Campus USA 2016); Payscale (College Salary Report: Top Earning Alumni 2017-18 – 4 Year Schools, and other categories); Victory Media (Military Friendly Schools 2018); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 – National Universities/ Best Value, plus topical rankings); Princeton Review (Best Colleges 2018, plus topical rankings); Money magazine (Best Colleges 2016-2017); Forbes (America’s Top Colleges 2017); LGBT‐Friendly Campus Pride Index 2008-2016 (4.5/5 stars for diversity and inclusiveness); President’s Higher Education and Community Service Honor Roll (2008‐2015); Washington Monthly; and others. Hofstra notable alumni include actor James Caan and director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked together in the Academy-Award-winning The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II.
Hofstra offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — nearly 300 in total. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), which requires 30 credits for completion. Students have a Capstone that can be either a thesis (six credits) or an independent project (three credits), and there is an option for a paid graduate Co-op experience of 6-8 months. Specialization choices include Web Engineering or Networking and Security (Cyber Security), which account for nine credits each. Electives include: artificial intelligence; bioinformatics; computer graphics and computer vision; data mining and machine learning; distributed, parallel and mobile computing; networks and network security.
- In-state: $23,256 tuition +$970 fees
- Out-of-state: $23,256 tuition +$970 fees
- #students: 11145
- #grads: 4246
- Distance ed: 12%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Chicago, Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students on four campuses and online. It was established in 1940, through merger of two institutes, one of which was established in 1890, and has contributed to innovations including the cell phone, barcode technology and more. Its collective research efforts have earned faculty members 25 NSF CAREER awards. The university ranks #1 statewide (#75 nationally) for salary potential of bachelor’s graduates (PayScale 2017). Notable IIT faculty include computer science and applied math professor Edward Reingold.
IIT offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, with two relevant programs: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) requiring 32 credits for completion, and a 30 or 33 credit Master of Computer Science (MCS). The MSCS prepares students for either an industry career or doctoral studies. Track options are three in number and include a thesis, a project, or pure course work. No specializations are available, no comprehensive exam nor on-campus presence is required, and professional CS courses do not count for credit in the MSCS. Students with a non-computer science bachelor’s degree may qualify by completing necessary undergrad courses. The MCS is a professional degree, and like the MSCS, students without a CS bachelor’s may qualify by taking prerequisite courses. While the MCS has 11 optional specializations, only a general track can be completed online.
- In-state: $28,903 tuition +$1,384 fees
- Out-of-state: $28,903 tuition +$1,384 fees
- #students: 7730
- #grads: 4786
- Distance ed: 20%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Potsdam, New York
Clarkson University (CU, est. 1896) is a private, nonprofit institution with much success in creating leaders. Roughly one in five alumni hold executive roles such as CEO or VP. Forbes ranked CU in their Top 21 Stem Colleges (2016), while PayScale ranked it several categories in their 2016-2017 College Salary Report (including in the top 2% of highest salaries in the country). Zippia similarly ranked CU as the best college in the state for getting a job (2017), while Business Insider ranked it amongst the top 18 private colleges for the highest alumni earnings. PayScale and ABC News reported in 2012 that CU was at the time one of 12 American institutions where new graduates earned more than Harvard grads. CU has numerous additional rankings in categories such as: best colleges; best value; military-friendly/ best for veterans/ top ROTC service; most entrepreneurial; grad internship experience; career placement, etc. Sources incude U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Forbes, Victory Media, Washington Monthly, Princeton Review, The Economist, Time magazine, Kiplinger’s and several others. Notable CU alumni include Patrick Naughton, who is a co-creator of the Java programming language, which is ubiquitous in many computing platforms.
CU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 50 study areas in total, covering STEM, health, business and more. It has one relevant program: a 30-credit online Master’s of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), via the departments of Computer Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering. It has a typical timeline of two years, including a thesis. Curriculum topics include: computational theory, hardware integration, information technology, programming languages, and software systems. Students without a computer science background might qualify by taking some prerequisite undergrad computer science courses. Students considering continuing graduate studies after completing MSCS may be interested in CU’s online PhD in Computer Science, which requires 90 credits — some of which might include qualifying Master’s credits. A research project is a requirement.
- In-state: $32,280 tuition +$900 fees
- Out-of-state: $32,280 tuition +$900 fees
- #students: 4384
- #grads: 1116
- Distance ed: 42%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel University (DU, est. 1891) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students at five campuses/ learning centers, and online. It ranks amongst the top 15 largest private universities in the country (by student population). Its online division is one of the oldest in the U.S, and it has ranked as a Best National Universities for a decade (U.S. News & World Report, #94 2018). Other ranking categories include: most innovative schools; top 20 for admissions selectivity; top 25 for producing CEOS (Fortune 100 companies); most international students; top 100 worldwide for U.S. utility patents granted; most connected campus; top 18 schools for veterans; top 5 for student engagement; numerous topical rankings, and others.
DU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees — over 200 in total — plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), which is one of Drexel’s online graduate information technology programs that ranked #10 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Colleges report. Courses are taught by industry professionals, and elective options can be taken from several departments, including Information Science and Technology and Electrical Engineering. Faculty areas of focus include “applied algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence and intelligent systems, cognitive modeling, computer graphics, computer science education, computer vision, distributed systems, high performance computing, human-computer interaction, networking and security, scientific computation, and software engineering.” Students can also choose this program as a graduate minor option.
- In-state: $33,156 tuition +$840 fees
- Out-of-state: $33,156 tuition +$840 fees
- #students: 24232
- #grads: 8680
- Distance ed: 46%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Ranking Methodology
Using data from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), we applied the following approach:
- Find all U.S. colleges/ universities indicated in NCES as offering “distance” graduate programs in “Computer Science.” (NCES does not distinguish between distance and online programs.
- Manually verify all those that actually offer online or hybrid master’s degree programs in computer science.
- Sort by smallest to largest average graduate in-state tuition rates (plus fees) as per NCES data at time of publication.
- Select the 25 most affordable candidate institutions by in-state tuition.
NOTES
- For ranking purposes, we use the average graduate in-state tuition for an institution as reported by NCES. The actual tuition rate for online graduate programs at a given institution is subject to change and may differ from this, being either below or above the average amount, as well as differ by graduate program in the same institution.
- Actual cost for online students may differ based on living arrangements. Tuition is subject to change, and online programs/ courses may have fees or differences not applicable to on-campus equivalents. Some programs listed in this article require partial on-campus residency to graduate.
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