A master’s degree in computer science typically offers a solid return on investment thanks to ample job opportunities for graduates, which often pay six-figure salaries. Yet cost still is an important factor for many people who are considering going back to school to advance their careers in this field, in which the job outlook for computer and information scientists is projected to grow 21% by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While some computer science master’s degree programs charge tuition of upwards of $60,000 per year, online programs generally offer a better value. In fact, some online programs total about $25,000 for a master’s degree program in computer science—which typically takes about two years to complete.
The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
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In addition, many master’s degree programs have moved away from requiring applicants to submit a GRE score—a move that, along with relatively low tuition, can help to draw a broader pool of candidates.
“We believe that not requiring a GRE score has made the program more accessible not only for international students but also for working professionals, which is another part of our student demographic,” Paulus Wahjudi, department chair of computer science and engineering at Marshall University, tells Fortune. “Working professionals often lack the time to study and take the GRE test, meanwhile most of them are already working in the field and have considerable experience.”
The five online computer science master’s degree programs below appeared on Fortune’s ranking cost $25,000 (or less) and don’t require a GRE score. It’s worth noting that both the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth also come in under $25,000 but do require a GRE score for application consideration. Tuition prices are accurate as of June 2023, and were collected directly from each school’s website.
1. University of Idaho
- Fortune online master’s in computer science ranking: No. 7
- Credits required to graduate: 30
- Price per credit: $554
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $16,620
The tuition price above reflects the 2022-23 academic year tuition price. Currently, the university has not yet posted tuition for the 2023-24 academic year.
Students enrolled in the online computer science program at the University of Idaho have the option of attending on-campus lectures live via Zoom, with the opportunity to participate—similar to the experience of students on-campus. Students can also choose to watch recorded lectures within a few hours/days of their on-campus peers. The University of Idaho also offers various stipends, grants and other funding opportunities directly on the school’s webpage.
2. Marshall University
- Fortune online master’s in computer science ranking: No. 6
- Credits required to graduate: 30
- Price per credit: $509
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $15,270
Marshall University‘s program utilizes the bridge course(s) requirement. These are advanced courses designed to be taken by students without any prior related background. Students must complete the required courses with a B or better in the first two semesters, says Wahjudi. “This appears to be a better approach to ensuring that students we accept to the program are up to par and will be able to graduate.”
Even working professionals value these bridge courses because some may not come from a computing background and some may want a “refresher,” says Wahjudi. Marshall plans to overhaul its asynchronous program to include opportunities for students to interact with faculty in a one-on-one setting, receiving help with any portions of coursework they may be struggling with. And the university also aims to provide live guidance to its students while still maintaining the flexibility of an asynchronous online program.
3. University of Louisville
- Fortune online master’s in computer science ranking: No. 8
- Credits required to graduate: 30
- Price per credit: $775 for general students or $250 for active-duty students
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $23,250 for general students or $7,500 for active-duty students
The University of Louisville rings in at just over $23,000 for most online students, and offers an even lower tuition price for active-duty students who are service members or Coast Guard members. In addition to the lower tuition cost for active duty members, the university also offers tuition assistance to members of the National Guard and the Department of Defense. The active duty rate and tuition assistance is an effort to “help smooth the transition from military life to student life, and further into professional life,” according to the school’s website.
4. Kansas State University
- Fortune online master’s in computer science ranking: No. 9
- Credits required to graduate: 30
- Price per credit: $800.30
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $24,009
Kansas State University offers three program options for its students. In the first two 30-credit programs, the thesis option requires students to perform original research and deliver a written thesis. In the report option, students complete a project and deliver a written report.
Students can also opt for what K-State refers to as the non-thesis/non-report option. This requires students to write a major paper—for example, as part of an 800-level graduate course. However, this option requires 33 credit hours to graduate, bringing the total tuition price to just over $26,400.
5. Colorado State University
- Fortune online master’s in computer science ranking:No. 2
- Credits required to graduate: 35
- Price per credit: $715
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $25,025
While the tuition price tag at Colorado State University lands just beyond the $25,000 mark, it’s still worth considering if you’re looking to keep your tuition fees around this price point. Approximately 70% of CSU’s computer science master’s students have job offers upon graduation, according to the program’s website.
Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.
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