In this article, we share the 10 best deals for an online programming degree from accredited bachelor's level programs.
We reviewed approximately 60 accredited schools offering an online programming degree. We awarded points according to a variety of factors, including the net price listed by NCES College Navigator. Schools with a lower net price earned higher points than schools with a higher net price. We also awarded points to schools with low student-to-faculty ratios, high selectivity rates (% of undergraduates admitted), and listed rankings in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges from U.S. News and World Report. In the event of a tie, the school with the lower net price ranked higher on our list.
#10 – Southwestern College
Winfield, Kansas
Points: 4
% Admitted: 88%
Net Price: $22,622
Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas offers an accredited Bachelor's in Computer Programming degree online designed for students with an interest in computer science. This online programming degree is unique in that it offers a media activity grant of up to $5,000 for students interested in any of three areas of emphasis. One of the degree emphases is the Computer Science and Programming concentration. Southwestern offers small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southwestern favorably among regional universities. In fact, Southwestern is ranked #99 among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest and the school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #136 out of 1,200 similar programs.
#9 – Limestone College
Gaffney, South Carolina
Points: 6
% Admitted: 52%
Net Price: $21,865
Limestone College offers an online programming degree well worth considering. Limestone offers small class sizes, a low student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, and a 52% selectivity rate. The school is also highly ranked with the 2016 edition of Best Colleges. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Limestone College as the 73rd Best Regional College in the South. The school’s online bachelor’s programs are also ranked #125 out of more than 1,200 similar programs in the country. Students enrolled in the computer programming degree online reach their full potential due to the school’s state-of-the-art technology, dedicated instructors, and small classroom population.
#8 – Akron Institute of Herzing University
Akron, Ohio
Points: 6
% Admitted: 100%
Net Price: $20,673
Akron Institute of Herzing University offers an affordable online programming degree for approximately $20,000 per year. Students may earn a Bachelor of Science in Software Development with a Concentration in Computer Programming entirely online. Herzing’s online bachelor’s degree programs are ranked #90 out of 1,200 similar programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Open enrollment makes admittance convenient, and small class sizes help promote a prime learning environment. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, even for online courses. While graduate programs are not readily available at the institution, preparation for graduate school is a component of the curriculum at the undergraduate level.
#7 – ECPI University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Points: 6
% Admitted: 79%
Net Price: $19,291
ECPI is a proprietary university that offers an accredited Bachelor's in Computer Programming degree online. Students may earn a B.S. in Computer and Information Science with a Concentration in Database Programming in a few as 2.5 years. Course topics explore Code and Design Debugging, Database Scripting, Programming, and UNIX Administration. The school offers access to many graduate school programs for students who want to pursue continued education and advance their careers. Students may earn master’s degrees in Information Systems or Cybersecurity. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated instructors to enhance learning and improve the student success rate.
#6 – Husson University
Bangor, Maine
Points: 7
% Admitted: 72%
Net Price: $16,526
Husson University offers an affordable Bachelor’s in Computer Programming degree online that combines a unique programming curriculum with software development. Successful completion of the program earns students a Bachelor of Science in Software Development with Concentration in Programming. Husson University keeps class sizes at a minimum, even for online students, and maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Access to graduate computer programs is available for students who want to pursue master’s degree programs in fields of interest. U.S. News and World Report ranks Husson University as a Tier 2, Best Regional University in the Midwest.
#5 – Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Points: 8
% Admitted: 93%
Net Price: $15,841
Davenport University offers an accredited online Bachelor's in Computer Programming degree that is designed for students who require flexible learning options, but want value when it comes to their online education. The online bachelor’s degree programs at Davenport are ranked #119 out of over 1,200 similar programs, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges published by U.S. News and World Report. Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 help promote a favorable learning environment, even for the online student. Also, for those wanting to pursue graduate level education, several master’s degree programs in related computer fields are available.
#4 – Baker College
Flint, Michigan
Points: 8
% Admitted: Open Enrollment
Net Price: $12,880
Baker College ranks high on our list of schools with cheap online Bachelor's in Computer Programming degree programs because of the overall net price. For under $13,000 per year, students may pursue an online bachelor’s degree from a highly ranked program. U.S. News and World Report ranks the Flint, Michigan school as having the 207th Best Online Bachelor’s Program in the country, out of over 1,200 similar programs. The average tuition and fees listed by U.S. News and World Report for attending one undergraduate year at Baker College is $8,280. Due to the low cost of attendance, Baker College is considered a best value school for online degree-seeking students.
#3 – Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 10
% Admitted: 88%
Net Price: $11,698
One of the best online Bachelor's in Computer Programming degree programs on our list is the Computer Science degree offered at Fort Hays State University. The unique program combines computer science, programming, and information systems engineering, making the degree design one of the most comprehensive of its kind. Fort Hays offers a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 and maintains small class sizes that are conducive to relationship building with peers and instructors. Dedicated professors work to promote the kind of learning environment that breeds success, according to the school website. Fort Hays offers one of the most highly ranked online bachelor’s degree programs in the country. According to U.S. News and World Report's 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Fort Hays State University is ranked #16 out of more than 1,200 similar online programs.
#2 – Jones College - Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Points: 12
% Admitted: Open Enrollment
Net Price: $9,051
Jones College in Jacksonville, Florida offers one of the best online programming degrees. Small class sizes combined with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 puts Jones College at the top of our list. Also, the low tuition and fees for undergraduate students makes the college a best value school. Attractive financial aid packages are available to students, regardless of economic background. Most packages include grants, tuition assistance, and access to scholarship programs. The overall net price to attend Jones College is just $9,000 per year, which is considered one of the best deals for those pursuing an online programming degree.
#1 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Points: 12
% Admitted: Open Enrollment
Net Price: $8,624
Even with a higher student-to-faculty ratio, Western Governors University is considered the best deal for earning an affordable online programming degree. Students gain the most from their experience at Western Governors because of the low cost of tuition and access to graduate study programs. Students who complete the BS in Information Technology with Concentration in Programming can continue their education in one of the master’s degree programs offered at Western Governors. There are three master’s level degree programs, which include the MS in Information Security, MS in Information Technology, and the MBA in Information Technology. Graduate degree options combined with a low tuition rate makes Western Governors University a best college deal for pursuing an online programming degree.
Related rankings:
Top 50 Great Deals on Bachelor’s Degrees Online
10 Great Deals: Master’s in Data Science Online
This concludes our review of the 10 best deals for an online programming degree from accredited programs at the bachelor's level.
By GCD Staff
Published August 2016