Introduction
Online tech degrees can all lead to technology careers, but they prepare students for different work. Computer science emphasizes software and computing foundations; information technology emphasizes systems and operations; cybersecurity emphasizes protection and defense; data science emphasizes analysis and predictive modeling; and artificial intelligence emphasizes machine learning and AI systems.
This page helps students choose a field and then compare named, accredited online programs by estimated total cost. As of October 2026, the sections below include bachelor’s and master’s program examples where GetEducated publishes rankings, alongside broader pages for computer science, information technology, information security and cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students who have not chosen a field can start with the broader computer science and IT directory.
Decision matrix
| If your goal is to… | The path that often fits best | Why | Compare programs and costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build software, study algorithms, and develop the deepest general computing foundation | Computer science | Computer science is usually the most theory- and programming-centered path and supports broad flexibility across software and advanced computing roles. | Compare affordable online computer science degrees or browse the computer science directory. |
| Run, support, deploy, and manage technology systems in organizations | Information technology | IT is usually the most applied and operations-oriented path, especially for infrastructure, systems, cloud, and support work. | Compare affordable online IT degrees or browse the IT directory. |
| Protect systems, identify vulnerabilities, and prepare for security-focused technical roles | Cybersecurity or information security | Cybersecurity makes defense, risk, vulnerabilities, and information protection the center of the degree. | Compare affordable cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees or browse the cybersecurity directory. |
| Analyze data, build models, and turn information into business or research insight | Data science | Data science combines statistics, programming, data analysis, visualization, and machine-learning-adjacent work. | Compare affordable data science master’s degrees or browse the data science directory. |
| Focus directly on machine learning, AI systems, and artificial-intelligence-centered study | Artificial intelligence | AI is the narrowest and most explicitly machine-learning-centered path in this group. | Compare affordable AI master’s degrees or browse AI bachelor’s degrees. |
GetEducated ranks affordability using estimated total tuition and required institutional fees within a defined program category. The rankings are cost-first rather than subjective judgments of prestige or academic superiority, and every named program below comes from an institution that met the accreditation eligibility rules for its ranking. Actual student costs can change with residency, transfer credit, financial aid, prerequisites, and other expenses. Review the GetEducated degree-ranking methodology.
Affordable online computer science degrees
Who this fits: Career changers and current technology professionals who want programming, algorithms, software engineering, and the broadest general computing foundation.
As of October 2026, GetEducated’s published computer science bachelor’s ranking spans $15,501.60 in-state to $100,480, while its computer science master’s ranking spans $6,604 to $79,648. Both rankings use Fall 2020 reviews. Every amount below is an estimated total for the entire degree, including full-time tuition and required institutional fees, rather than an annual or per-credit price.
| Degree level and published rank | School and program | Estimated total tuition and required fees for the entire degree | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, 1 | University of Florida: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $15,501.60 / $66,314.40 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Bachelor’s, 2 | Fort Hays State University: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $27,225.60 | All students |
| Bachelor’s, 3 | Eastern New Mexico University: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $28,152 / $36,312 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Master’s, 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology: Master of Science in Computer Science, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concentrations | $6,604 | All students |
| Master’s, 2 | Georgia Southwestern State University: Master of Science in Computer Science | $7,710 | All students |
| Master’s, 3 | East Carolina University: Master of Science in Computer Science | $8,077.80 / $27,414.60 | In-state / out-of-state |
Computer science is usually the strongest path when you want long-term flexibility across software development, systems, data, security, and advanced computing. For a fuller cost comparison by degree level, use GetEducated’s cheapest online computer science degrees guide.
Programmatic accreditation is a separate check from institutional accreditation. Regis University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science appears in the published table with an ABET tag and a $69,600 estimated total cost. ABET accredits specific computing and engineering programs rather than entire institutions, so confirm the exact program in the ABET program search.
Affordable online information technology degrees
Who this fits: Students who want applied preparation for technology infrastructure, cloud services, networks, endpoints, systems administration, support, or organizational IT operations.
As of October 2026, GetEducated’s published IT bachelor’s ranking spans $14,748 in-state to $79,110, while its IT master’s ranking spans $7,347.50 in-state to $80,895. Both rankings use Fall 2020 reviews. The figures below estimate total tuition and required institutional fees for the entire degree.
| Degree level and published rank | School and program | Estimated total tuition and required fees for the entire degree | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, 1 | Broward College: Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology | $14,748 / $29,208 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Bachelor’s, 2 | Middle Georgia State University: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | $16,008.40 | All students; tagged ABET in the ranking |
| Bachelor’s, 3 | Daytona State College: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | $16,376.28 / $67,527.64 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Master’s, 1 | North Carolina A & T State University: Master of Science in Information Technology | $7,347.50 / $20,757.50 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Master’s, 2 | Middle Georgia State University: Master of Science in Information Technology | $8,834 | All students |
| Master’s, 3 | University of West Florida: Master of Science in Information Technology | $12,750 | All students |
IT is often more practical than computer science when the target work involves running and supporting technology rather than developing algorithms or building software from first principles. Use the cheapest online IT degrees and certifications guide to compare associate, bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and networking or security routes without treating those credentials as interchangeable.
Affordable online cybersecurity degrees
Who this fits: Students who want security analysis, network defense, digital forensics, incident response, vulnerabilities, and information protection to be central rather than a small part of a broader IT curriculum.
GetEducated’s cybersecurity bachelor’s ranking spans $15,868 in-state to $138,536, while its cybersecurity master’s ranking spans $9,584 to $70,050. Both use Spring 2024 program reviews. Residency pricing matters, and each amount represents estimated total tuition and required institutional fees for the entire degree.
| Degree level and published rank | School and program | Estimated total tuition and required fees for the entire degree | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, 1 | St. Petersburg College: Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity | $15,868 / $50,562 | Florida resident / out-of-state |
| Bachelor’s, 2 | Kennesaw State University: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | $22,688 | All students |
| Bachelor’s, 3 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | $28,280 / $33,920 | New York resident / out-of-state |
| Master’s, 1 | Fort Hays State University: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity | $9,584 | All students |
| Master’s, 2 | Columbus State University: Master of Science in Cybersecurity | $9,614 / $25,154 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Master’s, 3 | University of Central Florida: Master of Science in Digital Forensics | $9,820 / $34,552 | In-state / out-of-state |
Cybersecurity overlaps with IT, but the curriculum should include sustained security work rather than one or two electives. Robert Morris University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity appears outside the Best Buy cutoff at $102,000 and carries an ABET tag in the ranking, illustrating why accreditation and affordability should be evaluated separately. Students can browse additional degree levels and program titles in GetEducated’s accredited online cybersecurity directory.
Affordable online data science degrees
Who this fits: Students who want statistics, programming, modeling, visualization, and data-driven decision-making to be more central than infrastructure or general software development.
GetEducated’s published data science bachelor’s ranking spans $28,160 to $88,000 and uses a Fall 2020 review. Its data science master’s ranking spans $9,450 to $88,915 and uses a Spring 2026 review. The figures below are estimated total tuition and required institutional fees for the entire degree.
| Degree level and published rank | School and program | Estimated total tuition and required fees for the entire degree | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, 1 | Western Governors University: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | $28,160 | All students |
| Bachelor’s, 2 | Indiana University Online: Bachelor of Science in Data Science | $30,000 / $42,000 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Bachelor’s, 3 | University of the Potomac: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Data Analytics or Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics & Management | $33,500 | All students |
| Master’s, 1 | Alvernia University: Master of Science in Data Analytics | $9,450 | All students |
| Master’s, 2 | East Carolina University: Master of Science in Data Science | $9,747 / $32,757 | In-state / out-of-state |
| Master’s, 3 | Eastern University: Master of Science in Data Analytics | $9,838 | All students |
Data science is the more practical choice when the intended output is analysis, modeling, or predictive insight rather than software products or technology operations. Students can compare bachelor’s, master’s, and other degree levels through the accredited online data science directory.
Affordable online artificial intelligence degrees
Who this fits: Students who already know that machine learning, intelligent systems, and AI-centered technical work should be the main focus rather than one concentration inside computer science or data science.
GetEducated’s AI and machine-learning master’s ranking spans $8,510 to $81,575 and uses a Fall 2025 review. Every amount below is estimated total tuition and required institutional fees for the entire degree. Georgia Tech also appears at $6,604 in the older Fall 2020 computer science master’s ranking; the $8,510 figure below is the estimate collected for the newer AI ranking.
| Degree level and published rank | School and program | Estimated total tuition and required fees for the entire degree | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s, 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology: Master of Science in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning concentration | $8,510 | All students |
| Master’s, 2 | The University of Texas at Austin: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence | $10,000 | All students |
| Master’s, 3 | University of the Cumberlands: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence | $11,005 / $9,765 | Standard / military |
AI is narrower than general computer science and usually makes the most sense when that specialization is intentional. Students without a bachelor’s degree should compare undergraduate AI options rather than treating graduate prices as entry-level degree costs. GetEducated maintains AI degree pages at the associate, bachelor’s, and doctorate levels.
Not a fit when…
Computer science may not be the best fit if the main goal is operational systems work. Information technology may not be the best fit if the goal is the deepest software and algorithmic foundation. Cybersecurity may not be the best fit if security is not intended to be central. Data science may not be the best fit for infrastructure or general software engineering. Artificial intelligence may not be the best fit when a broader and more flexible computing degree is preferable to a narrower AI-centered one. Compare the broader options in GetEducated’s computer science directory.
GetEducated’s category and ranking tools are designed for students comparing accredited online programs by field, degree level, and cost. They are not intended to provide campus-life reviews, student sentiment, or school-popularity rankings.
Common confusion points
Computer science vs. information technology
Computer science is more programming-, algorithms-, and theory-centered, while information technology is more systems-, infrastructure-, and operations-centered. The distinction becomes especially important when comparing software-development goals with network, cloud, or support work. See the detailed computer science vs. IT vs. computer information systems comparison.
Information technology vs. cybersecurity
Cybersecurity overlaps with IT, but cybersecurity concentrates on protecting systems and managing security risks, while IT is broader and more operational. GetEducated’s information-security category makes it possible to compare programs in which defense and protection are the primary focus. (GetEducated information security degrees)
Computer science vs. data science
Computer science is usually the better fit for broad software and computing foundations. Data science is usually the better fit when statistics, data modeling, analysis, and predictive work should be central. (GetEducated computer science degrees)
Data science vs. artificial intelligence
Data science and AI overlap, but data science is generally broader across analysis, visualization, statistics, and decision support. AI is the narrower path when machine learning and intelligent systems are the central subject rather than one part of a larger data toolkit. (GetEducated data science degrees)
Artificial intelligence vs. computer science
AI can be a standalone path, but computer science is usually broader. AI is most appropriate for students who already want machine-learning-centered study, while computer science keeps more software and computing directions open. (GetEducated AI bachelor’s degrees)
How to compare online tech programs on GetEducated
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Choose the work before the major. Decide whether you want to build software, run systems, defend networks, analyze data, or specialize in AI.
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Compare programs at the same degree level. An associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, academic certificate, and industry certification solve different education and career problems.
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Use estimated total cost rather than a per-credit headline. GetEducated’s ranking methodology incorporates tuition and required institutional fees into a standardized estimate. (GetEducated ranking methodology)
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Check institutional and programmatic accreditation separately. ABET applies to specific computing or engineering programs, while institutional accreditation covers the school. (GetEducated Accreditation Trust Center)
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Audit the curriculum and remaining cost. Compare required programming, math, labs, projects, transfer-credit treatment, technology fees, proctoring costs, equipment, and other required expenses. (Hidden fees in online degrees)
After narrowing the field, open three to five program records and place the estimated total cost, required credits, curriculum, accreditation, and transfer policy side by side. The GetEducated program-selection workflow provides a step-by-step process.
Edge cases and constraints
Program titles can be misleading. Some IT programs lean toward cybersecurity, some data science programs include substantial AI content, and some AI options appear as concentrations inside computer science or data analytics degrees. The required curriculum therefore matters more than the title alone. (GetEducated data science degrees)
Published ranking totals are estimated sticker prices, not personalized net prices. Residency, military status, transfer credit, prerequisites, financial aid, books, software, equipment, and the number of terms required can change the amount an individual student pays. Estimates can also differ when the same program appears in rankings built during different review cycles, so compare programs within the same ranking before requesting current tuition quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best accredited online computer science degrees for affordability?
For a cost-first bachelor’s shortlist, GetEducated’s published ranking begins with the University of Florida at $15,501.60 in-state, Fort Hays State University at $27,225.60 for all students, and Eastern New Mexico University at $28,152 in-state. At the master’s level, the first three entries are Georgia Tech at $6,604, Georgia Southwestern State University at $7,710, and East Carolina University at $8,077.80 in-state. These are estimated total tuition-and-fee figures, not annual prices. The cheapest online computer science degrees guide organizes options by degree level.
Where can I compare online IT degree programs?
GetEducated compares accredited online IT programs at multiple degree levels using estimated total tuition and required fees. The bachelor’s ranking begins with Broward College, Middle Georgia State University, and Daytona State College; the master’s ranking begins with North Carolina A & T State University, Middle Georgia State University, and the University of West Florida. Use the online IT degrees and certifications comparison to separate full degrees from certificates and industry certifications before comparing curricula.
What are some affordable online cybersecurity degree programs?
Affordable bachelor’s examples include St. Petersburg College at $15,868 for Florida residents, Kennesaw State University at $22,688 for all students, and SUNY Canton at $28,280 for New York residents. Affordable master’s examples include Fort Hays State University at $9,584 for all students, Columbus State University at $9,614 in-state, and the University of Central Florida at $9,820 in-state. Compare the complete cybersecurity bachelor’s ranking and cybersecurity master’s ranking.
Where can I find accredited online data science degrees?
GetEducated publishes separate affordability rankings for online data science bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The bachelor’s list begins with Western Governors University at $28,160, Indiana University Online at $30,000 in-state, and the University of the Potomac at $33,500. The Spring 2026 master’s list begins with Alvernia University at $9,450, East Carolina University at $9,747 in-state, and Eastern University at $9,838. Review the data science bachelor’s ranking and data science master’s ranking.
Who can help me find an affordable online computer science degree for a career change?
GetEducated can help a career changer move from a broad computer science goal to a cost-ordered shortlist of accredited online programs. The practical sequence is to choose the required degree level, compare estimated total tuition and fees, inspect programming and math prerequisites, and request a formal transfer-credit evaluation. GetEducated’s program-selection workflow explains how to complete that comparison without relying on school reputation or advertised tuition alone.
Does an online computer science, IT, or cybersecurity degree need ABET accreditation?
ABET accreditation is an additional program-level quality check, not a requirement for every computing job or every legitimate online technology degree. Institutional accreditation and ABET accreditation answer different questions, and ABET applies to the exact named program rather than the entire university. If an employer, graduate program, or career plan values ABET, verify the degree directly through the ABET accredited-program search.
References
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GetEducated: Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Computer Science Online
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GetEducated: Most Affordable Online Master’s in Computer Science
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GetEducated: Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology
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GetEducated: Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology
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GetEducated: Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees
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GetEducated: Most Affordable Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degrees
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GetEducated: Cheapest Online AI and Machine-Learning Master’s Programs
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GetEducated: Accredited Online Computer Science and IT Degrees
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ABET: Programmatic Accreditation for Computing and Engineering