Cheapest Online Computer Science Degrees in 2026
Computer Science has the highest return on investment of any undergraduate degree field. A $16,000 WGU degree can lead to a $75,000+ starting salary in under 2 years.
The CS ROI Case: Hard Numbers
WGU Computer Science degree: $15,680 total (2-year finish). Median starting salary for CS graduates: $75,000-$95,000. Salary without a degree in an adjacent role: $35,000-$45,000. Premium: $40,000-$50,000/year. Payback period: under 6 months. No other undergraduate field comes close to this ROI.
Cheapest Online CS Programs - Comparison Table
| School | Per Credit | Total Cost | ABET | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of the People B.S. Computer Science | $120 (exam fees) | ~$6,460 | No | Tuition-free model. HLC regional accreditation. Growing employer recognition. |
Western Governors University B.S. Computer Science | Flat $3,920/term | $15,680-$31,360 | No | Strong IT hiring outcomes. Self-paced. Finish in 2 years for $15,680. |
Fort Hays State University B.S. Computer Science | $188 in-state | ~$22,560 | No | Kansas public university. Competitive for online learners. |
Southern New Hampshire University B.S. Computer Science | $342 | $41,040 | No | 200+ specializations. Strong industry partnerships. |
Arizona State University Online B.S. Computer Science | ~$485 (online) | ~$58,200 | ABET | ABET accredited. Strong brand. Higher cost but elite recognition. |
ABET Accreditation in CS: Does It Matter?
ABET accreditation matters significantly in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. In computer science, the picture is more nuanced:
When ABET matters for CS
- Defense contractor roles (some require ABET-accredited degree)
- Federal government positions (specific agencies)
- Aerospace and highly regulated industries
- Some foreign credential evaluations
When ABET doesn't matter for CS
- Most software companies (Meta, Google, startups)
- Tech roles at non-tech companies
- Cybersecurity, data science, web development
- WGU, SNHU graduates regularly get hired at major employers
Bottom line: regional accreditation (HLC, NWCCU, NECHE) is required for any online CS degree to be legitimate. ABET is a bonus for specific career paths, not a requirement for most tech jobs.
CS vs IT vs Software Engineering: Which Degree?
Computer Science (CS)
Theory-heavy. Algorithms, data structures, systems design. Best for software engineering roles at tech companies. Strong graduate school pathway.
Information Technology (IT)
Applied focus. Networks, infrastructure, cybersecurity. Fastest path to entry-level IT roles. WGU's IT programs are highly respected by employers.
Software Engineering
CS plus software development methodology. Less common as a degree title but growing. Overlaps heavily with CS. Check if employers in your target sector recognize the specific degree name.
Bootcamp vs CS Degree: Honest Comparison
| Factor | Bootcamp | WGU CS Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000-$20,000 | $15,680 |
| Duration | 3-6 months | 2-4 years |
| Employer acceptance | Variable (some companies won't look at) | Universal |
| Technical depth | Narrow (web/specific stack) | Broad (CS fundamentals) |
| Grad school option | No | Yes |
| Federal jobs eligibility | Rarely | Yes |
At similar price points, WGU's CS degree is the stronger long-term investment for most learners.