Students in a hands-on technology lab at a community college
Updated July 17, 2026

Best Computer Science Associate's Degree Programs 2026

Compare 50 accredited 2-year computer science (CS) programs at community colleges and technical schools. Find affordable programs with strong transfer pathways and entry-level career placement.

Programs Ranked50
Avg Tuition$3,360/yr
Completion Time2 years
Transfer Rate33%
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Key Takeaways

  • 1.associate's degree in computer science costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs, average $3,360/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
  • 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Northern Virginia Community College, Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, Santa Monica College, selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
  • 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
  • 4.Entry-level computer science technician positions start at $45,500 median salary (BLS, 2024).
  • 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working, many programs offer evening and weekend classes.

Quick Answer: Is an Associate's Degree in Computer Science Worth It?

Answer
Yes - $45,500 starting salary, 60% lower cost

Source: An associate's degree in computer science is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.

Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Computer Science?

An associate's degree in computer science offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers earn a median salary of $130,160 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $70,000.

Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path

  • Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
  • Strong job outlook: 15% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
  • Large job market: 1,790,000 positions nationwide in this field
  • Transfer-friendly: Credits transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
  • Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
  • Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework

Salary potential: Entry-level computer science positions start at $70,000, with experienced professionals earning up to $208,000+ (BLS OEWS, 2024).

Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.

Best Computer Science Associate's Programs - Top 10

🥇

De Anza College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Cupertino, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 68% graduation rate

96.0
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 68% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,395 in-state tuition
  • 144 graduates annually
🥈

San Diego Miramar College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
San Diego, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 48% graduation rate

93.9
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
48%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 48% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,104 in-state tuition
  • 71 graduates annually
🥉

Irvine Valley College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Irvine, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 57% graduation rate

93.8
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
57%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 57% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,104 in-state tuition
  • 27 graduates annually
#4

Foothill College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Los Altos Hills, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 56% graduation rate

93.1
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
56%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 56% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,395 in-state tuition
  • 31 graduates annually
#5

College of San Mateo

Associate's in Computer ScienceFully online
San Mateo, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 61% graduation rate

93.1
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
61%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 61% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,288 in-state tuition
  • 36 graduates annually
#6

College of the Canyons

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Santa Clarita, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 45% graduation rate

92.9
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
45%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 45% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,104 in-state tuition
  • 54 graduates annually
#7

Saddleback College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Mission Viejo, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 48% graduation rate

92.6
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
48%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 48% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,380 in-state tuition
  • 27 graduates annually
#8

Santiago Canyon College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Orange, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 48% graduation rate

91.9
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
48%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 48% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,104 in-state tuition
  • 28 graduates annually
#9

Ohlone College

Associate's in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Fremont, CAPublic

$116,580 median salary · 52% graduation rate

91.7
Score
$1K
Tuition/yr
52%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 52% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $1,104 in-state tuition
  • 29 graduates annually
#10

Weber State University

Associate's in Computer ScienceFully online
Ogden, UTPublic

$116,580 median salary · 46% graduation rate

91.6
Score
$6K
Tuition/yr
46%
Grad Rate
$117K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 46% graduation rate
  • $116,580 median salary
  • $5,621 in-state tuition
  • 154 graduates annually

Best Computer Science Associate's Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. De Anza College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks De Anza College's associate's computer science program #1. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cupertino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 96.0

  2. #2. San Diego Miramar College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks San Diego Miramar College's associate's computer science program #2. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.9

  3. #3. Irvine Valley College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks Irvine Valley College's associate's computer science program #3. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.8

  4. #4. Foothill College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks Foothill College's associate's computer science program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Altos Hills, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Graduation Rate: 56% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.1

  5. #5. College of San Mateo — Associate's Computer Science (Online)

    Hakia ranks College of San Mateo's online associate's computer science program #5. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: San Mateo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.1

  6. #6. College of the Canyons — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks College of the Canyons's associate's computer science program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Santa Clarita, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 92.9

  7. #7. Saddleback College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks Saddleback College's associate's computer science program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Mission Viejo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 92.6

  8. #8. Santiago Canyon College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks Santiago Canyon College's associate's computer science program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orange, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.9

  9. #9. Ohlone College — Associate's Computer Science

    Hakia ranks Ohlone College's associate's computer science program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Fremont, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.7

  10. #10. Weber State University — Associate's Computer Science (Online)

    Hakia ranks Weber State University's online associate's computer science program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Ogden, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,621/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.6

Full Computer Science Associate's Rankings 2026

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Associate's in Computer Science
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA · Public
On-campus$1,39568%$116,58096.0
#2
Associate's in Computer Science
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10448%$116,58093.9
#3
Associate's in Computer Science
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10457%$116,58093.8
#4
Associate's in Computer Science
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA · Public
On-campus$1,39556%$116,58093.1
#5
Associate's in Computer Science
College of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA · Public
Online$1,28861%$116,58093.1
#6
Associate's in Computer Science
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10445%$116,58092.9
#7
Associate's in Computer Science
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA · Public
On-campus$1,38048%$116,58092.6
#8
Associate's in Computer Science
Santiago Canyon College
Orange, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10448%$116,58091.9
#9
Associate's in Computer Science
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10452%$116,58091.7
#10
Associate's in Computer Science
Weber State University
Ogden, UT · Public
Online$5,62146%$116,58091.6
#11
Associate's in Computer Science
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA · Public
On-campus$1,35444%$116,58090.9
#12
Associate's in Computer Science
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT · Public
On-campus$5,81845%$116,58090.7
#13
Associate's in Computer Science
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA · Public
Online$1,28849%$116,58090.2
#14
Associate's in Computer Science
Clovis Community College
Fresno, CA · Public
On-campus$1,33245%$116,58090.2
#15
Associate's in Computer Science
Las Positas College
Livermore, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10453%$116,58090.0
#16
Associate's in Computer Science
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CA · Public
On-campus—44%$116,58090.0
#17
Associate's in Computer Science
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Public
On-campus—40%$116,58089.0
#18
Associate's in Computer Science
Butte College
Oroville, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10445%$116,58088.9
#19
Associate's in Computer Science
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA · Public
On-campus$1,38042%$116,58088.8
#20
Associate's in Computer Science
Skyline College
San Bruno, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28844%$116,58088.4
#21
Associate's in Computer Science
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA · Public
On-campus$1,40262%$116,58088.4
#22
Associate's in Computer Science
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL · Private for-profit
On-campus$26,90644%$116,58088.4
#23
Associate's in Computer Science
Citrus College
Glendora, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10441%$116,58088.3
#24
Associate's in Computer Science
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10441%$116,58087.4
#25
Associate's in Computer Science
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28848%$116,58087.4
#26
Associate's in Computer Science
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN · Public
On-campus$5,15440%$116,58087.3
#27
Associate's in Computer Science
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD · Public
On-campus$3,72073%$116,58087.1
#28
Associate's in Computer Science
Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, CA · Public
On-campus—40%$116,58086.2
#29
Associate's in Computer Science
Norco College
Norco, CA · Public
On-campus$1,38042%$116,58086.2
#30
Associate's in Computer Science
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS · Public
On-campus$3,40045%$116,58086.1
#31
Associate's in Computer Science
Canada College
Redwood City, CA · Public
Online$1,28847%$116,58086.0
#32
Associate's in Computer Science
Cuyamaca College
El Cajon, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28841%$116,58086.0
#33
Associate's in Computer Science
Imperial Valley College
Imperial, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10445%$116,58085.7
#34
Associate's in Computer Science
American River College
Sacramento, CA · Public
On-campus—37%$116,58085.6
#35
Associate's in Computer Science
Central Penn College
Summerdale, PA · Private for-profit
Online$18,32451%$116,58085.5
#36
Associate's in Computer Science
Reedley College
Reedley, CA · Public
On-campus$1,33242%$116,58085.3
#37
Associate's in Computer Science
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA · Public
Online$1,10436%$116,58085.3
#38
Associate's in Computer Science
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS · Public
On-campus$3,10050%$116,58085.2
#39
Associate's in Computer Science
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10436%$116,58084.8
#40
Associate's in Computer Science
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28837%$116,58084.8
#41
Associate's in Computer Science
College of the Sequoias
Visalia, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28839%$116,58084.8
#42
Associate's in Computer Science
Cypress College
Cypress, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10437%$116,58084.7
#43
Associate's in Computer Science
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28841%$116,58084.6
#44
Associate's in Computer Science
Snow College
Ephraim, UT · Public
On-campus$3,93046%$116,58084.4
#45
Associate's in Computer Science
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA · Public
On-campus$1,28838%$116,58084.3
#46
Associate's in Computer Science
Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE · Public
On-campus$3,24056%$116,58084.1
#47
Associate's in Computer Science
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA · Public
On-campus$1,10435%$116,58083.9
#48
Associate's in Computer Science
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA · Public
On-campus$1,38037%$116,58083.8
#49
Associate's in Computer Science
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA · Public
On-campus$1,24237%$116,58083.8
#50
Associate's in Computer Science
Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL · Public
On-campus$3,15255%$116,58083.8

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

Career Paths

Computer User Support Specialist

+-3%%

Help desk and technical support roles. Despite declining employment, about 50,500 openings projected annually due to replacement needs.

Computer Network Support Specialist

+-3%%

Network troubleshooting and maintenance. Higher pay than user support due to specialized networking skills.

Web Developer (Entry-Level)

+8%%

Front-end web development. Bachelor's preferred but associate's with strong portfolio can qualify.

Junior Database Administrator

+8%%

Database maintenance and basic administration. Entry roles available. Advancement requires bachelor's.

Top States for Computer Science Associate's Programs

Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in California
Total Programs
54
Median Tuition
$11,800
Top Program
University of California
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in Texas
Total Programs
27
Median Tuition
$32,900
Top Program
Texas A & M University
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in New York
Total Programs
42
Median Tuition
$21,200
Top Program
Cornell University
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in Florida
Total Programs
19
Median Tuition
$32,800
Top Program
University of Miami
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in Virginia
Total Programs
17
Median Tuition
$18,300
Top Program
William & Mary
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania
Total Programs
43
Median Tuition
$40,500
Top Program
Carnegie Mellon University
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in Maryland
Total Programs
11
Median Tuition
$9,900
Top Program
University of Maryland
Best Computer Science Associate's Programs in Illinois
Total Programs
38
Median Tuition
$35,700
Top Program
University of Illinois Urbana

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a job with just an associate's degree in computer science?
Yes. Entry-level computer science (CS) technician and support roles are available to associate's degree holders. Median starting salary is $45,500 (BLS, 2024). However, advancement to senior roles requires a bachelor's degree or significant experience.
How much does an associate's degree cost?
Community college tuition averages $3,500-5,000 per year for in-district students. Total program cost is $7,000-15,000, compared to $45,500-50,50 for a bachelor's degree.
Can I transfer my associate's credits to a 4-year university?
Yes. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with state universities. 33% of associate's graduates transfer agreements before enrolling.
How long does it take to complete an associate's degree?
Full-time students complete in 2 years (4 semesters). Part-time students may take 3-4 years. Accelerated programs can finish in 18 months with year-round enrollment.
Is an associate's degree better than a bootcamp?
It depends on your goals. Associate's degrees offer broader education, transfer pathways, and wider employer recognition. Bootcamps are faster but limited to specific roles. Associate's is better for long-term career flexibility.

How We Rank Computer Science Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

De Anza College's Associate's in Computer Science leads our ranking of 50 associate computer science programs, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, career outcomes, and cost using IPEDS 2024 and BLS data. In-state tuition across the list spans $1,104 to $26,906.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

National salary data for computer science graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System)

Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

May 2024 salary data by occupation and location

College Scorecard

Department of Education outcomes data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.