A computer science school does not have to be expensive to be good. Many people think that more expensive universities are better, but this is not necessarily true. Some of the cheapest computer science schools provide high-quality education, allowing students to make the most of their educational experience and even land high-paying jobs with little to no student debt.
This article does a deep dive into the most affordable computer science schools and the cheapest computer science degrees. We break down important data about affordable computer science schools including acceptance rates, graduation rates, different rankings, and many computer science degree programs. We also discuss how to choose the right computer science school for you, apply for financial aid, and pick an affordable online computer science program.
What Are the Most Affordable Computer Science Schools in the US?
The most affordable computer science schools in the US are University of Florida, Florida International University, and the University of Nebraska, Omaha. These institutions are the most affordable computer science schools in the US due to their extremely low tuition rates. All of these schools offer strong computer science degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
How Much Do the Cheapest Computer Science Schools Cost?
The cheapest computer science schools cost between $6,000 to $14,000 per year. Some of these schools are public while others are private. Although they are the cheapest computer science schools, they all successfully prepare students to work in the computer technology industry.
Cheapest Computer Science Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and fees. This is the full payment that the student must make to the school in order to enroll and take classes.
- Books and supplies. Students almost always have to purchase some textbooks or supplies for successful participation in the courses.
- Accommodation. Students who live on campus will have this fee to consider.
- Food. Also for students who live on campus.
- Transportation. Another potential fee to keep in mind for students who plan to live on campus.
Why You Should Attend a Computer Science School
You should attend a computer science school if you’re interested in working in the tech industry. If earning a degree would increase your chance of employment or make you eligible for higher-paying jobs, it’s definitely something to seriously consider. A computer science degree from a well-respected institution will always be helpful when you’re looking for jobs in the field.
Best Computer Science School Career Options
Some of the best computer science school career options are software development director, principal software engineer, site reliability engineer, cloud solutions architect, and computer research and information scientist. All of these positions have very high average salaries. Because they are also fairly high-ranking positions, they often have good benefits as well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer science is 13 percent from 2020 to 2030. This is faster than the average occupation, meaning you’re likely to have at least some measure of job security. These computer science careers are high in demand because so many industries have complex technological needs.
Computer Science Salary
The average annual salary for a computer scientist is $98,397. Graduates of computer science programs go on to specialize in various fields, meaning that there are opportunities to earn higher salaries. Computer science careers are profitable, fulfilling, and in high demand.
Can You Attend Computer Science School for Free?
Yes, you can attend computer science school for free. You could potentially have all of your costs covered through financial aid, though this is definitely not guaranteed. However, financial aid does assist in covering all school-related expenses. If you attend one of the most affordable computer science schools and receive financial aid, you’ll be able to keep costs extremely low.
There are also online education platforms such as Coursera and edX. These platforms provide free online computer science courses. They also offer the possibility of receiving certificates of completion from prominent universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
Cheapest Computer Science Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | 91% |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,963 | 67% |
| University of Nebraska-Omaha | $8,136 | $21,718 | 50% |
| North Dakota State University | $10,601 | $15,076 | 65% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10,720 | $38,608 | 89% |
| University of Maryland | $10,955 | $38,636 | 88% |
| University of Washington | $12,076 | $39,906 | 84% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | $12,852 | $33,964 | 92% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $13,258 | $43,012 | 92% |
| University of California-San Diego | $14,700 | $44,454 | 89% |
What Are the Cheapest Computer Science Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Computer Science School With Financial Aid
There are many financial aid options that can help students in need pay for a computer science education. These include federal grants, federal loans, private loans, and work-study jobs. In the section below, we’ll explore how to pay for a computer school using these options.
Federal Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid provided by federal and state governments to students who need assistance paying for education. Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are among the various types of federal grants available. By submitting the FAFSA form, you will automatically be considered for this type of aid.
Federal Loans
Federal loans are administered by the government and have perks such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment schedules. They also usually feature income-driven repayment mechanisms, as well as a repayment grace period. Keep in mind that federal loans must be repaid whether or not you graduate or finish your program of study.
Private Loans
Private student loans are provided by private entities like banks, credit unions, and online financing companies. The benefits of private loans include extra financing, bigger loan limits than federal student loans, and the ability to repay earlier education expenditures. The downsides of private student loans include no income-driven repayment plans, no fixed interest rates, and a one-year limit on deferments and forbearances.
Work-Study
Work-study is a federal or state-funded financial aid program that helps undergraduate and graduate students find part-time work. Income from work-study jobs can help with tuition, living expenses, and other education-related costs. Some benefits of work-study include acquiring relevant experience and the ability to earn more money than you were awarded through other financial aid channels.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Computer Science School Program
Applying for financial aid can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time going through the process. If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. Keep reading to find out what you need to do to successfully submit your FAFSA application and apply for all forms of federal financial aid.
- Create an FSA ID. It is advised that you create an FSA ID, which is a username and password combination that allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA form. Your FSA ID can also be used to log in to the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access specific online resources.
- Gather the necessary documents. FAFSA requires personal information like your name, date of birth, address, and information about your financial situation. Depending on your situation, you may require additional documents, like tax forms, to complete the FAFSA form.
- Get assistance. If you need help, you can find answers to FAQs on the FAFSA Help page. If you still have questions, the “Contact Us” button is your best bet as you will be able to get your questions answered by email.
- List schools. At least one school must be listed on the FAFSA form to receive your information. Your FAFSA information will be used by the schools you list to determine the types and quantities of financial aid you’re eligible for.
- Determine dependency status. The FAFSA form asks questions to figure out if you’re a dependent or independent student. Dependent students must include parental information on their application.
- Reporting parents’ information. To learn who counts as your parents, what to do if you don’t live with your parents, and more, visit the Federal Student Aid page.
- Provide financial information. You will be required to supply information regarding your finances, such as the information found on tax forms and the balances of your checking and savings accounts.
- Sign and submit the FAFSA form. You have to sign and send your application before it can be processed. Before sending in your application, you should thoroughly check for any errors.
Best Computer Science Scholarships
- American Foundation For the Blind | Amount: $2,000-$7,500. This award is for students who are blind or visually impaired and are enrolled in technical colleges or universities. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be enrolled full-time, and be interested in their school and community.
- Banatao Family Filipino Education Fund | Amount: $5,000. This award is available to students of Filipino heritage. Applicants must be STEM majors in their first year at accredited four-year institutions. They must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. This award is intended for full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the computer technology field. To be eligible you must be a US citizen or permanent resident, have a declared computer science/CIS/MIS/IT major, and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. This scholarship is available to veterans studying computer science or computer engineering in the US. Applicants must maintain a high level of academic performance and provide proof of veteran status.
- Palantir Future Scholarship | Amount: $7,000. Students who identify as members of a racial or ethnic minority are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized university’s bachelor’s program in computer science or a related science major. A remote professional development program is available to recipients.
Cheapest Undergraduate Computer Science Schools
Some of the cheapest undergraduate computer science schools have options for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. If you’re focused on keeping educational costs as low as possible, keep reading to learn more about the cheapest computer science degrees.
Most Affordable Computer Science Associate Degree Programs
- North Hennepin Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science Transfer Pathway | $203-$213/per credit hour. This program prepares students for careers in software engineering. Graduates will also be ready to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs.
- University of Arkansas Grantham | Associate of Science in Computer Science | $295/per credit hour. This program prepares graduates to enter the workforce in entry-level computing positions.
- Cowley College | Associate of Science in Computer Science Transfer Pathway | $65/per credit hour (in state); $125/per credit hour (out of state). This is a two-year transfer program. Students complete the first half of a bachelor’s degree, preparing them to transfer to a four-year institution.
- Ulster County Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | $2,540/per semester. This program prepares students for work or continued study at a four-year university by providing a strong programming and theoretical background.
- Western Nebraska Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | $106/per credit hour (in state); $110/per credit hour (out of state). This program offers application, programming, and computer information systems courses.
Most Affordable Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- University of Florida | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $212/per credit hour (resident); $955/per credit hour (non-resident). Students in this program study the theoretical foundations of information and computing.
- Fort Hays State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $181/per credit hour (resident); $250/per credit hour (midwest resident); $529/per credit hour (non-resident). This degree prepares students to manage complex information and computing systems.
- Thomas Edison State University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | $399/per credit hour (resident); $519/per credit hour (non-resident). Graduates of this degree program will be ready to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies.
- Rasmussen University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $260/per credit hour. This affordable computer science degree program prepares you for a successful career.
- California State University Monterey Bay | Bachelor of Science in Computer | $1,665/per semester (1-6 credits); $2,871/per semester (6.1 or more credits). Students who want a good liberal arts education and a solid foundation in computer technology can consider this program.
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Computer Science
Next, we’re going to look at the cheapest graduate computer science schools. Graduate education can be very expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of options if you’re looking for one of the cheapest computer science degrees, even if you’re looking for a computer science doctoral degree program.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Computer Science
- University of Louisville | Master of Science in Computer Science | $775/per credit (resident); $1,575/per credit (non-residents). This degree program encourages students to become adaptive lifelong learners.
- North Carolina State University | Master of Science in Computer Science | $505/per credit (resident); $1,572/per credit (non-resident). This research-oriented degree has a thesis and a non-thesis plan of study.
- University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign | Master of Science in Computer Science | $549/credit (resident); $1,186/credit (non-resident). This is a research-oriented degree program that prepares students to pursue doctoral degrees.
- University of Illinois-Springfield | of Science in Computer Science | $332/per hour (residents); $681/per hour (non-residents). Students in this program have access to a vibrant interactive online learning community.
- Georgia Southwestern State University | Master of Science in Computer Science | $257/credit hour. Students interested in working in the tech sector of the healthcare system should look into this MS degree program.
Most Affordable PhDs in Computer Science Universities
- Colorado Technical University | Doctor of Computer Science | $598/per credit hour. This doctoral degree provides candidates with in-depth study of specialized computer science so that students can anticipate trends and ultimately contribute to the field.
- Aspen University | Doctor of Science in Computer Science | $375/per credit. This program focuses on the theoretical principles and practical applications of computer science, training candidates in advanced research techniques.
- Northcentral University | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | $1,094/per credit. This program teaches students about the application of computer science theory and research and gives them the opportunity to conduct research.
- North Carolina State University | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | $505 (resident); $1,572 (non-resident). Students in this research-focused degree program collaborate closely with a research advisor and advisory committee to publish articles.
- Florida International University | Doctor of Philosophy | $4,101/per semester (resident); $9,015/per semester (non resident). This Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science program provides opportunities for ambitious students to train with top research professors in all key areas of computer science.
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Best Online PhD Programs
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Computer Science School
If you’ve found this article, you’re probably interested in attending one of the cheapest computer science schools. To find the right school, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind during your school search. Below, we’ll examine these factors and discuss why they matter.
Rankings
Rankings reveal a school’s educational quality and indicate its reputation. Rankings can also help you find the right school. Before making a decision, you can consult US News & World Report or another ranking list to see how different schools compare to each other.
Accreditation
If a school is not accredited, it is not held to any standard of education. That’s why it’s important to know if a school you’re considering is accredited or not. While regional accreditation is more prestigious, both are good. Before deciding on a computer science school, you can use this tool to examine the school’s accreditation status.
Tuition Cost
Cost of tuition is one of the most important considerations. especially if you want to attend one of the most affordable computer science schools. As we’ve shown in this article, there are lots of options for students who are cost-conscious. If you’re interested in a particular school that a higher tuition rate, you can always apply for financial aid.
Academic Offerings
Academic offerings include the core and elective courses that lead to a degree or certificate. They also can include any other resources and opportunities provided by a school. You should thoroughly research any program you’re interested in to determine if it aligns with your educational and career goals.
Employment Opportunities
Make sure to look at post-graduate employment statistics for schools and programs you’re interested in. Some programs are much more career-focused than others. If you want to get a headstart on your career path, you can find a program that will give you the resources to do so.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Computer Science School
- Take advantage of your student privilege. Your student ID grants you discounts on fitness centers, museums, health centers, public transportation, entertainment subscriptions, and much more.
- Work a part-time job. Having a job during your time at school improves your chances of putting money down for the future.
- Watch how you spend. Carefully consider how and where you spend your money.
- Swap items. Using the barter system is a great way to save money while you attend school. There are often Facebook groups that help students and others facilitate these trades.
- Attend a low-cost school. Attending one of the cheapest computer science schools is one of the best ways to save money on your education.
Cheapest Online Schools for Computer Science
Lots of the most affordable computer science schools have online programs. These programs are designed for students who are unable to attend classes on campus but want to earn a degree. In the section below, we’ll look into cheap online schools that offer computer science degree programs.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | $129/per credit (resident); $552/per credit (non-resident) | 91% |
| Fort Hays University | $226/per credit | 50% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $320/credit | 39% |
| Dakota State University | $354/per credit (resident); $464/per credit (non-resident); $250 (active military) | 47% |
| Oklahoma State University | $421/per credit hour (resident); $938 (non-resident) | 66% |
Most Affordable Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Programs
- University of Florida | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $129/per credit (resident); $552/per credit (non resident). This online computer science program allows students to align their coursework to their individual interests.
- Fort Hays University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $226/per credit. Graduates from this program are eligible for employment at various federal agencies and private software and technology firms.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $320/per credit. This online computer science degree program trains its students in Python, Java, C++, and other popular programming languages.
- Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $354/per credit hour (resident); $464/per credit hour (non-resident); $250/per credit hour (active military). The curriculum of this program is dynamic and includes topics, such as programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
- Oklahoma State University| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $421/per credit hour (residents); $938 (non-residents). This online computer science degree program helps students gain skills in computer program design, implementation, and testing.
Most Affordable Online Computer Science Master’s Programs
- Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Computer Science | $180/per credit. This online program brings leaders in education and industry together to educate the next generation of computer scientists.
- Georgia Southern University | Master of Science in Computer Science | $199/per credit. If you’re interested in a graduate program that focuses on data and knowledge systems, this is a program to consider.
- University of West Florida | Master of Science in Computer Science | $425/per credit. This online degree program will give you all the tools you’ll need to remain competitive in your field.
- Old Dominion University | Master of Science in Computer Science | $374/per credit (resident); $407/per credit (non-resident). This curriculum is designed for students who already have a solid foundation in computer science and want to conduct research in areas like bioinformatics and data mining.
- Franklin University | Master of Science in Computer Science | $670/per credit. This online computer science curriculum teaches students how to engage with corporate stakeholders and meet dynamic requirements.
Will Attending an Online Computer Science School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online computer science school will save you money. Attending an online computer science school will save you money on commuting and on fees that come with living on campus. We will examine the benefits of attending an online school in the following section.
Benefits of Online Computer Science Programs
- It helps you save money. Since it’s an online degree program, you save more money by avoiding housing and transportation expenses.
- It is convenient. With an online program, you can study at any time, anywhere. This is ideal for parents, working professionals, or students with other responsibilities that might get in the way of attending college on campus.
- It gives you access to higher earnings. Computer science positions are currently among the highest-paying jobs on the market.
- It is flexible. Many online computer science programs allow you to study at your own pace. This allows you to attend to current obligations without compromising your education.
- It develops your time management skills. Enrolling in an online computer science degree program can help you learn time management skills.
Highest-Paying Computer Science Careers
| Computer Science Job | Computer Science Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Masters degree | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
Best Computer Science Jobs Explained
The best computer science jobs are also very high-paying jobs. These include computer information and research scientists, computer network architects, software developers, information security analysts, and computer programmers. In the section below, we’ll be explaining these jobs in-depth.
Computer Science Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Computer Science Schools
We chose the most affordable computer science colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Computer Science
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Cheapest Computer Science Schools FAQ
Yes, you can get a good job with an Associate Degree in Computer Science. There are computer science associate degree programs that will prepare you to be successful in the workforce. However, associate degrees generally only prepare people for entry-level work. If you want a job with a high salary, you may want to consider earning at least a bachelor’s degree.
Yes, you can become a software engineer with a computer science degree. You are required to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science to practice in the field of software engineering. Once you have a bachelor’s degree from one of the cheapest computer science schools, you’ll be eligible for many high-paying jobs that have great benefits and room for growth.
Computer science is important because technology has been ingrained in almost every facet of the modern economy. It is crucial for small businesses, large organizations, and entire industries. This means that there are a vast and growing number of job openings in the tech field.
The best university to study computer science is Massachusetts Institute of Technology. US News & World Report ranks this university as the best school for computer science.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
