If you love computers and have a knack for problem-solving, an associate degree in computer science may be just the boost your career needs. Whether you are trying to get your foot in the door or working your way up to a four-year degree on a budget, this list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate degree in computer science can help you reach your goal while continuing to meet your work and family obligations.
Taking college classes online requires a slightly different skill set than traditional brick and mortar college. Fortunately, almost all colleges have a quick assessment you can take on their website to see where you stand in relation to these skills. There is also a technical component required for this coursework, but if you accessed this article without outside assistance, you are probably up to snuff on that count.
Interested in pursuing an accelerated online associate degree? Check out our ranking of the Fastest Online Associate Degree Programs!
This list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate in computer science has been carefully compiled with an eye towards tuition value (10 points), individual attention from college staff (as indicated by the student-to-faculty ratio, (10 points), and the relevancy of the curriculum to the demands of the field (10 points). A bonus of five points was awarded in cases of national recognition for excellence in online course delivery, exceptional services for distance learners or the existence of a special tuition rate for digital students. In the case of a tie on points, schools were ranked in order of decreasing (out-of-state) tuition.
All tuition, enrollment, and student-to-faculty ratio numbers come from the National Center for Education Statistics, a service of the US government, except for any per credit hour rate quoted in the paragraph reviewing the school. This number comes from the school’s website.
#10 – Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Online Associate of Science in Computer Science
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 10,451
Tuition: $14,970
Montgomery County Community College sees part of its mission as providing quality associate degree programs that lead to transfer, employment, or personal growth. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, their online associate of science in computer science is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in data structures and object-oriented programming. The career services office at Montgomery County Community College is available to help students and alumni of the school. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#9 – Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, Maryland
Online Associate of Science in Computer Science
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 12,886
Tuition: $13,160
Anne Arundel Community College has been providing its surroundings (and more recently, the internet) with education and innovation for more than 50 years. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, their online associate of science in computer science and software development is meant to be used to transfer into a four-year program at another school. Anne Arundel Community College offers career and employment services that can help perfect your vision for your professional life. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#8 – Ulster County Community College
Stone Ridge, New York
Associate of Science in Computer Science Online
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 3,554
Tuition: $10,220
Ulster County Community College is part of the State University of New York system. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, their online associate of science in computer science is a 62-64 credit hour program that is designed to transfer smoothly into a four-year program. Ulster County Community College offers the online services of Career Coach to aid you with job interest assessments and resume writing skills. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#7 – West Los Angeles College
Culver City, California
Associate of Arts in Computer Science Information Technology Online
Website
Points: 23.5
Enrollment: 11,743
Tuition: $8,110
West Los Angeles College is an accredited California community college that offers the opportunity for university transfer or professional advancement. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 26:1, their online associate of arts in computer science information technology is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in database programming and network operating systems. The career center at West Los Angeles College is a one-stop-shop for career assessment and resume building. They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
#6 – Ocean County College
Toms River, New Jersey
Associate of Science in Computer Science Online
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 8,176
Tuition: $7,695
Ocean County College is a two-year community college funded by Ocean County and the state of New Jersey. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1, their online associate of science in computer science is a 64 credit hour program that includes coursework in programming and data structures and analysis. Ocean County College offers student support coaches to assist you from registration through graduation. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#5 – Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North Carolina
Online AAS in IT-Computer Programming and Development
Points: 25
Enrollment: 21,872
Tuition: $8,912
Wake Technical Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina with an enrollment of over 70,000. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, their online associate of applied science in IT-computer programming and development is a 68 credit hour program that includes coursework in Javascript and software development. The Wake Technical Community College website career and employment resources section can help you start your career off on the right foot. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#4 – Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, Indiana
Associate of Science in Computer Science Online
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 72,006
Tuition: $8,661
Ivy Tech Community College has been helping Hoosiers boost their earning potential since the 1960s and now they are using the internet, to help you. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, their online associate of science in computer science is a 60 credit hour program that can be completed in four semesters. Coursework in the program includes calculus and discrete logic for computers. Ivy Tech Community College has a transfer agreement in place for computer science graduates with Northern Kentucky University. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
#3 – South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
Online Associate of Science in Computer Science
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 31,949
Tuition: $7,830
South Texas College is a low-cost option for completing the first two years of your degree with an out-of-state tuition rate of $200 per credit hour. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1, their online associate of science in computer science is a 62 credit hour program that includes coursework in programming fundamentals and computer organization. South Texas College offers an array of career counseling services to its online students. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#2 – Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, Kansas
Online Associate of Science in Computer Science
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 2,664
Tuition: $4,890
Cowley County Community College has been serving the educational needs of its area in Kansas since 1922. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, their online associate of science in computer science is a 65 credit hour program that includes coursework in calculus and visual basic programming. Cowley County Community College is very affordable with an out-of-state tuition rate of just $173 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
#1 – Cochise College
Douglas, Arizona
Online Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming
Website
Points: 31
Enrollment: 3,670
Tuition: $6,240
Cochise College was ranked as one of the top 150 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute and has been serving the area since 1964. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, their online associate of applied science in computer programming is a 64 credit hour program that includes courses in Linux and information security. Cochise College’s career education office can assist you with the transition from college to career. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This concludes the list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate in computer science.
This article was updated in July 2020.
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
- School Websites
Related Rankings:
- Computer and Technology Degree Programs
- Science and Engineering Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Computer Engineering and Computer Information Science
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Computer Programming
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Network Security
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Management Information Systems
- 50 Best Maker Spaces