- 1.Software Developers earn a median salary of $136,620 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Science programs include University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Carnegie Mellon University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers computer science education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Computer Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Science Programs - Top 10 Online
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley EECS created BAIR, one of the world's most influential AI research labs, and maintains unique Silicon Valley connections where the most exceptional teachers are often also the most exceptional researchers, unlike many peer institutions.
Program Overview
UC Berkeley's Computer Science program stands as one of the world's most prestigious and influential CS programs, housed within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS). The program offers multiple pathways including a PhD in Computer Science, MS in Computer Science, and the innovative one-year Master of Engineering (MEng) designed for industry professionals. Berkeley's CS program is uniquely positioned in the Bay Area, where regular faculty - many of whom are leading researchers - teach the majority of courses, ensuring students learn from the most exceptional minds in the field. The program spans cutting-edge research areas from artificial intelligence and robotics at the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) to quantum computing at the Berkeley Quantum Information and Computation Center (BQIC). With over 200 graduate programs university-wide and consistently ranking among the top doctoral programs nationwide, Berkeley offers an unparalleled academic environment where students work alongside faculty on projects that cross disciplinary boundaries to improve everyday life.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Brings together researchers across computer vision, machine learning, NLP, planning, and robotics with over two dozen faculty and hundreds of graduate students
Quantum information processing investigating computational tasks like integer factorization and secure quantum communication
Research center focused on communications, information and coding theory, optimization, statistics and control
Research at intersection of computer security, online privacy, and human-computer interaction
Brings together domain experts from life, social, and physical sciences with methodological experts from computer science and statistics
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone master's degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year master's for their own undergraduates, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
Program Overview
The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering operates as one of the nation's premier computer science programs, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. The school offers a comprehensive graduate education ecosystem that uniquely serves different student populations without a traditional standalone master's degree. Instead, UW provides a research-intensive Ph.D. program where students earn both master's and doctoral degrees with full financial support, a Combined B.S./M.S. program (also called the Fifth Year Master's Program) exclusively for current Allen School undergraduates, and a Professional Master's Program designed as a part-time evening option for working professionals in the Puget Sound region. The school recently launched a Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods starting fall 2025, designed for working professionals across industries seeking to leverage cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Core AI research and applications
Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences
Technology design and human-computer interaction
Industry Partners
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU Computer Science Department is home to the birthplace of the emoticon smiley :-) created by faculty member Scott Fahlman, and consistently produces graduates with median starting salaries of $135,000 who secure positions at elite firms like Jane Street (13 hires in 2023), with the program's flexible, advisor-guided curriculum allowing students to craft personalized study paths rather than following fixed course sequences.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Department offers a flagship Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program that embodies the institution's pioneering legacy in computational sciences. Established in 1965 with a $5 million grant from the Richard K. Mellon Foundation and led by Alan Perlis as its first department head, CMU CS has consistently ranked among the top computer science programs globally. The MSCS program is uniquely flexible, requiring no fixed curriculum but instead allowing students to construct their own course of study in consultation with advisors. Most students complete the program in three semesters (though those transitioning from other fields may need an additional semester), taking 8-9 courses across Systems, Theoretical Foundations, and Artificial Intelligence requirements. The program is coursework-focused with optional research opportunities, and about one-third of students engage in research during their studies. The department spans six major research areas including Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Programming Languages, Security, Systems, and Theory, with faculty maintaining individual research summaries available through their comprehensive Faculty Research Guide.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Six major research divisions: Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Programming Languages, Security, Systems, and Theory
Industry Partners
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell uniquely offers both a fully-funded research MS in Ithaca with mandatory teaching experience and a one-year industry-focused MEng at Cornell Tech in NYC, where students build actual products for real companies through the first-of-its-kind Studio curriculum.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois created one of the first and most extensive CS + X blended degree programs in the nation, allowing students to combine computer science with fields ranging from crop sciences to music, while maintaining guaranteed admission pathways for Illinois graduates into their nationally-ranked MCS programs.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT EECS is home to CSAIL, the largest interdepartmental laboratory at MIT, and uniquely structures computer science within three overlapping domains including a dedicated AI and decision-making unit, reflecting MIT's pioneering role in artificial intelligence research.
University of California-San Diego
UCSD's CS program uniquely combines access to the San Diego Supercomputer Center's national-scale computing infrastructure with an interdisciplinary curriculum option, while maintaining direct pathways for exceptional MS students to transition into the PhD program.
Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue CS faculty have had research collaborations with every other college at Purdue in the past five years, demonstrating the program's unique interdisciplinary reach and practical application across all fields of study.
University of Southern California
USC launched the School of Advanced Computing in 2024 as the university's 23rd school, making it the hub for advanced computing research across USC and positioning computer science at the center of an unprecedented interdisciplinary computing initiative.
University of California-Irvine
467 computer science graduates annually
Best Computer Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 97.4/100 |
| #3 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 95.1/100 |
| #4 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 94.1/100 |
| #5 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 92.5/100 |
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 97.4 |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 95.1 |
| 4 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 94.1 |
| 5 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 92.5 |
| 6 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | 89.8 |
| 7 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 88.8 |
| 8 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 88.2 |
| 9 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 87 |
| 10 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 85.8 |
| 11 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 85.1 |
| 12 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 84.9 |
| 13 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | — | 84.7 |
| 14 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | — | 83.7 |
| 15 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | 83 |
| 16 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 82.2 |
| 17 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | 81.7 |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 80.8 |
| 19 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 80.5 |
| 20 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 80.4 |
| 21 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | $11,145 | 84% | — | 79.7 |
| 22 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 79.4 |
| 23 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 76.7 |
| 24 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | — | 76.2 |
| 25 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | — | 76.1 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Online Computer Science Degree Overview
Online computer science degree programs have evolved significantly, offering the same rigorous curriculum and ABET accreditation as their on-campus counterparts. Our analysis of 138 accredited programs shows that top online CS degrees provide virtual labs, real-time collaboration tools, and comprehensive student support services that rival traditional programs.
The flexibility of online learning has made computer science education accessible to working professionals, military personnel, and students in rural areas. Leading programs like Arizona State University's online CS degree and Penn State World Campus demonstrate that remote learning can deliver exceptional outcomes without sacrificing academic quality.
Online CS graduates report similar career outcomes to on-campus students, with median starting salaries ranging from $72,000 to $85,000 depending on specialization and location (BLS OEWS May 2024). The key differentiators among programs are student support services, virtual lab access, industry partnerships, and career placement assistance.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Remote-friendly role with high demand across industries.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data sets to inform business decisions using statistical analysis and machine learning techniques.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats through monitoring, analysis, and incident response.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations teams to streamline software deployment and infrastructure management.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-2051Develop and implement machine learning models and AI systems for real-world applications.
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Evaluate computer systems and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Choose Your Program Based on Your Profile
- You want the largest, most established online CS program
- You need 24/7 technical and academic support
- You prefer flat-rate tuition regardless of residency
- You value extensive virtual lab access and industry partnerships
- You want cutting-edge technology like VR programming labs
- You prefer identical curriculum to prestigious on-campus program
- You can afford higher tuition for premium student experience
- You value Penn State's brand recognition and alumni network
- You are military personnel or veteran seeking flexibility
- You need asynchronous courses that accommodate irregular schedules
- You prefer accelerated 8-week course format
- You're interested in government contractor or defense industry careers
- You want personalized attention with dedicated success advisor
- You prefer private university experience at public university price
- You need competency-based learning to accelerate through material
- You value multiple start dates and maximum scheduling flexibility
- You want the best value with lowest tuition and highest graduation rate
- You prefer smaller cohort size for personalized attention
- You're interested in Florida's growing technology sector
- You want access to research opportunities and graduate programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Online CS Degrees
Based on 138 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
Graduation rates, enrollment data, tuition costs, and institutional characteristics for all accredited higher education institutions
Salary data and employment statistics for computer science occupations (SOC codes 15-1252, 15-2051, 15-1212)
Enrollment trends, graduation rates, and outcomes for distance education programs
Aggregated from Reddit, Niche.com, Google Reviews, and institutional surveys between January 2024 and December 2025
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.