2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in Computer Science
An online associate degree in computer science can help you prepare for entry-level jobs in computer programming, software development, and web design. Alternatively, it can prepare students for transfer to a four-year university. Distance learning offers the convenience of studying wherever you choose, which may be ideal when learning complex programming languages or completing high level math courses.
We’ve ranked our list by Salary Score, so you can set a realistic earning expectation and compare it to how much you may pay for college. However, if your finances are limited, our list of affordable online associate degrees in computer science provides budget-friendly options. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU. If you’re still unclear about which degree to pursue, exploring our list of online associate degrees may spark ideas.
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Online Computer Science Associate Degrees You May Be Interested In
Southern New Hampshire University Online
South College
Annual Tuition: $17,025
2 Programs (view all)
Columbia Southern University
List Of Accredited Online Computer Science Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | ||
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 5,896 | $8,280 |
| Tidewater Community College | 3,519 | $11,564 |
| Metropolitan Community College | 2,709 | $4,545 |
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Notable for its online programming catering to working professionals, Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution in Manchester. It offers an online Associate of Science in Computer Science emphasizing the design and development of computer software. The required 60 credits generally take two years to complete if enrolled full time. However, SNHU has a generous transfer policy and accepts up to 45 credits previously earned at other accredited institutions. Students may also receive college credits for any IT certifications held. SNHU has a 92% acceptance rate and a 36% graduation rate.
SNHU uses Brightspace as its learning management system to deliver distance learning asynchronously. Online computer science courses at SNHU include Software Development Lifecycle, Data Structures and Algorithms: Analysis and Design, Operating Platforms, and Programming Languages. This online curriculum helps prepare students for careers as systems software developers, help desk technicians, applications analysts, and computer programmers.
University of Arkansas Grantham
- Annual Tuition: $8,280
- Locations: Kansas City (KS)
- Accreditation: DEAC
Located in the state’s capital of Little Rock, the University of Arkansas Grantham (UAG) is a private, for-profit institution with an online Associate of Science in Computer Science. This 60-credit program takes full-time students about two years to complete, or they may be eligible to transfer in up to 75% of credits for this degree, saving time and money. UAG accepts all applicants due to its open admission policy, and it maintains a 20% graduation rate.
UAG delivers its online coursework and instruction asynchronously via Blackboard. This curriculum is designed for students to build a foundation in networking, web design, and programming language fluency. Computer science distance learners take classes such as Data Structures, Programming in JavaScript, Web Design, and Computer Networks. Graduates may pursue bachelor’s degrees in computer science or entry-level computing positions.
Tidewater Community College
- Annual Tuition: $11,564
- Locations: Norfolk (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Tidewater Community College (TCC) in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public institution offering an online Associate of Science in Computer Science for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. This online associate degree program is designed for students prepared for high-level science and math courses. Earning this online certificate requires 61 credits, which can be done in as few as four semesters if attending full-time. TCC provides students with free software they can access from home to complete assignments. It accepts all applicants and has a 20% graduate rate.
TCC distance learners use Canvas to access their classes asynchronously. TCC’s online computer science courses include Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms, and Discrete Mathematics. It’s important to note that TCC's information on its online programming is unclear — always check with an admission advisor first to check availability.
Metropolitan Community College
- Annual Tuition: $4,545
- Locations: Omaha (NE)
- Accreditation: HLC
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is a public institution in Nebraska offering an online Associate in Science in Computer Technology Transfer - Computer Science (CTSAS) with areas of emphasis in logic, programming language, data structures, and ethics. Completion requires completing 96.5 quarter credit hours (64 semester credits), generally taking two years of full-time study. MCC has a 100% acceptance rate, and 15% of its students graduate with degrees.
MCC delivers its online asynchronous programming via Canvas. Online computer science distance learners take classes such as Networking Essentials, Web Page Creation, Program Solving and Computer Logic, and Computer Science. Graduates often hold entry-level programming positions.