Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Key Takeaways

  • The associate degree in computer science is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.

  • Many community colleges and two-year schools offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in computer science.

  • Earning an online associate degree in computer science can prepare you for a variety of entry level jobs in your field. Many students also continue into a bachelor’s degree program in computer science or a related area.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online associate in computer science degree programs saw a substantial amount of movement. Park University gained the most ranking positions as the university has introduced several enhancements to its Associate of Science in Information and Computer Science program to better serve its students. The curriculum now offers specialty areas such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Security, Software Development, and Web Development, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career paths.

Additionally, the program includes Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) courses, preparing students for the CCNA certification exam and enhancing their credentials in the job market. The university also emphasizes practical experience by actively encouraging internships, considering them an integral part of the curriculum, and collaborates with the Career Development Center to help place students in computer internship positions. These improvements aim to provide a comprehensive and practical education, equipping students with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the dynamic field of computer science.

Featured Programs

Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs

  1. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Anne Arundel Community College

    Cost of Degree: $8,186
    Starting Salary: $50,612
    Salary after 4 years: $67,592

    Online Degrees

    AS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $46,370
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at City College of San Francisco

    Cost of Degree: $1,696
    Starting Salary: $50,132
    Salary after 4 years: $66,951

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Park University

    Parkville , MO

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Park University

    Cost of Degree: $12,808
    Expenses: $14,178
    Starting Salary: $46,924
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Information and Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 29-30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Albany State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,484
    Expenses: $13,686
    Starting Salary: $41,497
    Salary after 4 years: $55,419
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Associate Of Science

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Jamestown Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,600
    Expenses: $14,840
    Starting Salary: $42,216
    Salary after 4 years: $56,380
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    69K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Northern Virginia Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,703
    Starting Salary: $56,608
    Salary after 4 years: $75,600

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 61-63
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #8

    Blinn College

    Brenham , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    10%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Blinn College

    Cost of Degree: $6,350
    Expenses: $18,274
    Starting Salary: $53,370
    Salary after 4 years: $71,276
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    Montgomery College

    Rockville , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Montgomery College

    Cost of Degree: $10,398
    Starting Salary: $55,169
    Salary after 4 years: $73,678

    Online Degrees

    AA in Computer Science and Technologies

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science
    • Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Palomar College

    San Marcos , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    26K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Palomar College

    Cost of Degree: $1,354
    Starting Salary: $48,333
    Salary after 4 years: $64,549

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Video Gaming
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,638
    Starting Salary: $68,722
    Salary after 4 years: $91,778

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  12. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Finger Lakes Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,138
    Expenses: $19,045
    Starting Salary: $41,137
    Salary after 4 years: $54,938
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #13

    Central Texas College

    Killeen , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Central Texas College

    Cost of Degree: $3,900
    Expenses: $13,021
    Starting Salary: $41,857
    Salary after 4 years: $55,899
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS or AAS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Information Technology
    • Network Systems Administrator
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  14. #14

    Rogers State University

    Claremore , OK

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Rogers State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,392
    Expenses: $16,948
    Starting Salary: $47,134
    Salary after 4 years: $62,947
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Community College of Baltimore County

    Cost of Degree: $6,918
    Starting Salary: $46,414
    Salary after 4 years: $61,986

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Information Systems Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Western Nebraska Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,000
    Expenses: $14,169
    Starting Salary: $40,537
    Salary after 4 years: $54,138
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #17

    College of Southern Idaho

    Twin Falls , ID

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at College of Southern Idaho

    Cost of Degree: $4,560
    Expenses: $11,188
    Starting Salary: $40,417
    Salary after 4 years: $53,977
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #18

    Cochise College

    Sierra Vista , AZ

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Cochise College

    Cost of Degree: $2,232
    Expenses: $14,262
    Starting Salary: $41,137
    Salary after 4 years: $54,938
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA or AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Trinity Valley Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,920
    Expenses: $14,760
    Starting Salary: $42,696
    Salary after 4 years: $57,021
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Bucks County Community College

    Cost of Degree: $9,184
    Starting Salary: $50,732
    Salary after 4 years: $67,752

    Online Degrees

    AA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #21

    Grand Rapids Community College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Grand Rapids Community College

    Cost of Degree: $8,049
    Starting Salary: $41,257
    Salary after 4 years: $55,099

    Online Degrees

    AA in Pre-Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  22. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Tidewater Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,714
    Starting Salary: $42,336
    Salary after 4 years: $56,540

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  23. #23

    Murray State College

    Tishomingo , OK

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Murray State College

    Cost of Degree: $6,630
    Expenses: $13,682
    Starting Salary: $42,816
    Salary after 4 years: $57,181
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 62-64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  24. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Des Moines Area Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,550
    Expenses: $11,358
    Starting Salary: $44,135
    Salary after 4 years: $58,943
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. #25

    Ocean County College

    Toms River , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Ocean County College

    Cost of Degree: $5,122
    Starting Salary: $47,493
    Salary after 4 years: $63,427

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  26. Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Paradise Valley Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,358
    Starting Salary: $48,573
    Salary after 4 years: $64,869

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60-64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #27

    Kishwaukee College

    Malta , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Kishwaukee College

    Cost of Degree: $9,390
    Starting Salary: $46,174
    Salary after 4 years: $61,666

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  28. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Somerset Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,656
    Starting Salary: $32,982
    Salary after 4 years: $44,047

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Computer and Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science Track
    • Information Security Track
    • Programming Track
    • Internet Technologies Track
    • Network Administration Track
    • Required Credits: 60-64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  29. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Sussex County Community College

    Cost of Degree: $7,272
    Starting Salary: $45,215
    Salary after 4 years: $60,384

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  30. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Metropolitan Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,285
    Starting Salary: $40,537
    Salary after 4 years: $54,138

    Online Degrees

    AS in Computer Technology

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 92
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Computer Science Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Computer Science

Degree Level: Associate's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $45,788
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $61,150
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers17.42%$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists25.68%$145,080
Database Architects10.75%$134,700
Software Developers17.94%$132,270
Information Security Analysts32.71%$120,360

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists$145,080
Database Architects$134,700

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Science Associate Degrees

Students completing the online associate degree in computer science program will learn computer programming, coding, algorithms, software development, and more. Along with general education courses, students will take classes about computer science theory, digital design, computer systems, data science and programming fundamentals for C++ and Java.

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Online computer science associate degree students are required to complete 45 to 60 credits, which equates to about two years. Most programs are flexible, so students can earn their associate degree either online or on campus.

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In most cases, the associate-level online computer science program is designed to allow students to transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Those who graduate with their associate in computer science online can also qualify for entry-level employment in the computer science field.

Graduates with the associate’s degree in computer science often find work as a computer support specialists, web and application developers, software architects, and computer programmers. Students who wish to become computer scientists must go on to earn their bachelor’s degree in computer science and, in many cases, an advanced computer science degree.

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Learn more about how to major in computer science.

Not sure if an online associate’s degree in computer science is for you? Check out our rankings of the best online associate’s degrees in human resources, political science, or information technology.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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