- 1.Cloud Architects earn a median salary of $115,000 with 28% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Cloud Computing programs include Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Irvine, University of Southern California based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Irvine offers cloud computing education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Cloud Computing programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Top 10 Online
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon established the Computer Science Department in 1965 with a $5 million grant from the Richard K. Mellon Foundation, making it one of the founding institutions of computer science education, and today offers the only online cloud computing course that provides hands-on experience across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform with real resource provisioning.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University's approach to cloud computing education is embedded within its renowned Master of Science in Computer Science program, offered by a department that has been consistently ranked among the highest programs available for computer science study. The flexible MS in Computer Science program allows students to construct their own course of study in consultation with advisors, typically completing the degree in three semesters through 96-108 units of coursework. Students can dive deep into cloud computing through specialized courses like 15-319/619 Cloud Computing, which provides hands-on experience with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
What sets CMU apart is its project-based approach to cloud computing education, where students don't just learn theory but actively rent and provision compute resources, develop scaling and load balancing solutions, and work with distributed systems like HDFS, MongoDB, Cassandra, and DynamoDB. The program uniquely combines foundational computer science education with cutting-edge research opportunities across areas like artificial intelligence, systems, and security, all backed by the university's historic legacy as the birthplace of computer science education and home to innovations like the emoticon, created by faculty member Scott Fahlman.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced high performance computing, data storage and communications for university, government and industry researchers nationwide
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
UCI's Computer Science Department is housed within the only independent computing school in the UC system, enabling a uniquely broad view of computer science that spans from embedded systems to distributed computing, with faculty leading groundbreaking research in IoT and cyber-physical systems that directly inform cloud computing applications.
Program Overview
UC Irvine does not offer a dedicated Cloud Computing program, but provides extensive cloud computing education through its Computer Science Department within the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. The department offers both a Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) and a research-oriented MS program, with cloud computing covered through courses like Distributed Computer Systems (COMPSCI 230P), Computer and Communications Networks (COMPSCI 232P), and Introduction to IoT (COMPSCI 244P). The MCS is particularly notable as an 11-course (44-unit) professionally-oriented program completed in 4-5 quarters, featuring extensive lab components and industry-focused capstone projects. With almost 60 full-time faculty members and over 200 Master's students, the department provides world-class research spanning networking and distributed computing, which forms the foundation of cloud technologies. Faculty research includes cutting-edge work in cyber-physical systems, IoT, mobile sensor networks, and distributed systems - all critical components of modern cloud infrastructure.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, and IoT - foundational technologies for edge computing and cloud integration
Large-scale data processing and cloud-based computational biology
Admissions
University of Southern California
USC operates as part of the newly launched School of Advanced Computing and uniquely bridges Silicon Valley tech culture with Hollywood entertainment industry needs, particularly evident in their Game Development specialization and partnerships with companies like Easley-Dunn Productions.
Program Overview
USC's Computer Science program operates within the newly formed School of Advanced Computing, housed in the prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering. The MS in Computer Science provides intensive preparation in computing systems design, programming, and application, with students gaining deep understanding of both fundamentals and current issues across computer science and engineering. The 32-unit program offers remarkable flexibility, allowing students to pursue a general track or specialize in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Game Development, with an optional thesis track adding four additional units. What sets USC apart is its location in Los Angeles, providing unparalleled access to the entertainment industry through game development programs, while maintaining strong connections to traditional tech giants. The program is eligible for OPT STEM extension and offers both on-campus and online delivery through DEN@Viterbi, with identical tuition structures.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI applications for social good including combating human trafficking and wildlife conservation
Human-centric robotics, multi-robot systems, and socially assistive robotics
Large-scale computing research and advanced networking technologies
Human-robot interaction and socially assistive robotics
Advanced machine learning algorithms and data science applications
Industry Partners
Admissions
Western Governors University
WGU's Cloud and Network Engineering program is one of the few bachelor's degrees that seamlessly integrates AI-driven automation with traditional networking, offering four vendor-specific tracks and up to 11 industry certifications embedded within a single competency-based degree program.
Johns Hopkins University
The only top-ranked computer science master's program taught primarily by active practitioners from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, NASA, and major defense contractors, offering unparalleled access to real-world applications of emerging technologies in national security and space exploration.
Northeastern University
Northeastern's cloud computing programs uniquely combine AWS-developed curriculum with mandatory experiential learning through co-ops at major cloud providers like Amazon and Google, while offering pathways from 6-month certificates to full master's degrees across multiple tech hub campuses.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
NC State pioneered the first academic production-level cloud technology with its Virtual Computing Laboratory in 2004, and serves as the first university-based IBM Quantum Computing Hub in North America.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens ranks among the top 20 nationally for online graduate IT programs by U.S. News & World Report and offers one of the most comprehensive enterprise and cloud computing specializations, with direct access to Manhattan's tech startup ecosystem and Fortune 500 headquarters.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
UMN's ITI program uniquely combines cloud computing with business strategy and IT infrastructure management, featuring specialized tracks in DevSecOps and cloud security that use cutting-edge tools like AWS Security Hub and Kubernetes - designed specifically for working professionals seeking career advancement.
George Mason University
George Mason's Cloud Computing program uniquely partnered with AWS Educate curriculum designers to create industry-aligned coursework, and achieved #2 national ranking for bachelor's cloud computing programs while serving the massive Northern Virginia tech corridor with an estimated 5.6 million cloud-related jobs worldwide.
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 69.4/100 |
| #3 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 69.4/100 |
| #4 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 67.8/100 |
| #5 Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | N/A | 67.7/100 |
Top 50 Online Cloud Computing Degree Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 69.4 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 69.4 |
| 4 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 67.8 |
| 5 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | — | 67.7 |
| 6 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 67.5 |
| 7 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | 66.2 |
| 8 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | — | 64 |
| 9 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 61.4 |
| 10 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | — | 59.9 |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 58.9 |
| 12 | Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | — | 58.8 |
| 13 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 57.2 |
| 14 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 56.9 |
| 15 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 55.5 |
| 16 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 55.4 |
| 17 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,508 | — | — | 55.2 |
| 18 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | — | 54.3 |
| 19 | Ohio University-Main Campus | Athens, OH | Public | $13,746 | 88% | — | 53.2 |
| 20 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 52.8 |
| 21 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | — | 52.3 |
| 22 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, IL | Private | $41,258 | 82% | — | 52.3 |
| 23 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | — | 51.5 |
| 24 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | — | 51 |
| 25 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, OH | Private | $30,900 | 94% | — | 50.4 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Online Cloud Computing Degrees: Complete Guide
Online cloud computing degrees have become increasingly popular as organizations migrate to cloud-first infrastructures. With remote work normalizing and cloud skills in high demand, online programs offer flexibility without sacrificing education quality. Our analysis of 184 accredited programs reveals that online graduates achieve comparable career outcomes to their on-campus counterparts, with (BLS OEWS May 2024).
The best online cloud computing programs integrate hands-on labs, industry certifications, and real-world projects. Top programs partner with major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud to provide students direct access to cloud platforms and certification pathways. Many graduates pursue additional AWS certifications or Azure certification paths to enhance their credentials further.
Public universities dominate our rankings, offering quality education at lower costs. The median online tuition of $14,850 is 18% lower than on-campus programs, making cloud computing education more accessible to working professionals and career changers seeking to enter this high-growth field.
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1244Design and implement cloud infrastructure for organizations. Lead cloud migration projects and optimize cloud spending.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment pipelines and manage cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code practices.
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls and monitor cloud environments for threats and compliance requirements.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1244Build and maintain data pipelines using cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1252Ensure high availability and performance of cloud applications and infrastructure systems.
Cloud Consultant
SOC 15-1299Advise organizations on cloud strategy, migration planning, and technology selection.
Financial Aid for Online Cloud Computing Students
Online students are eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Many schools offer additional scholarships specifically for online learners and working professionals. Military students benefit from GI Bill coverage and Yellow Ribbon programs at participating institutions.
Several cloud computing programs offer unique funding opportunities through industry partnerships. AWS provides scholarships and credits for students in AWS Academy partner programs, while Microsoft offers similar benefits through Azure for Students initiatives. These partnerships can significantly reduce the total cost of education while providing valuable hands-on experience. For comprehensive financial aid guidance, see our FAFSA guide for STEM majors.
Choose Your Program Type
- You want the highest-rated online experience
- 24/7 support is critical for your success
- You can afford slightly higher tuition for premium services
- You value innovation in online learning technology
- You're military or a veteran seeking military-friendly options
- You want the most affordable quality program
- You need maximum credit transfer flexibility
- You're interested in federal/government cloud roles
- You value the prestige of a well-known university brand
- Alumni networking is important for your career goals
- You want access to research university resources
- You prefer programs with long-established reputations
- You want the most affordable option
- You can learn quickly and want to accelerate graduation
- You prefer competency-based education
- You already have significant IT experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cloud Computing Degrees
Based on 184 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Institution type, enrollment, tuition and fees data
Six-year graduation rates for distance education students
Salary data for cloud computing and related occupations
Online program enrollment and outcomes data
Verification of cloud platform partnerships
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.